On Books

a row

of hardcover books

on the shelf

golden keys to unlock

worlds hidden behind doors

I've always been fond of books. They are like old friends at a dinner party - always chatting away with something new to say. Indeed, it's hard not to admire a book, for within its dusty covers, are worlds waiting to be discovered. The possibilities are endless. Will I enter a world of fantasy and enroll in a wizard school? Or perhaps I will travel in time to Ancient Greece and attend a lecture at Plato's Academy. Maybe I will explore the stars and learn about the universe with Astronomy. All these choices are mine to make. They are "golden keys" that will unlock the ignorance of my mind as I strive for understanding.

Socrates once said: "I know nothing except for the fact of my ignorance." I too, have tried to live by this maxim. It is only through humility, have I learned that there is so much to learn. An open mind, an open heart, and an open book, are the surest ways I know to grow as a person. I truly believe this. Without these things, it would be much harder to grow in wisdom.

A good book is a friend for life. I will always relish the ones I've read, for many have changed my life. They are there for anyone willing to listen - to listen to their stories. I'm glad I listened.

The Truth About Tests

math problems

on a school test

building blocks

Throughout our lives, we are confronted with tests - tests for school, tests for work, tests in our personal lives - they are everywhere and for the most part, unavoidable. It is unfortunate that many people get stressed out over tests. They see it as a barrier to their ambitions. Perhaps it is, but they are seeing it in the wrong light.

The truth about tests is that they are opportunities for growth - a sort of feedback on your current progress. Failing a test means nothing in the long run - it is only a temporary setback that allows you to gain insight into areas that need improvement. Take advantage of this and learn from it. Grow as a person and develop your skills.

Now you know the truth about tests. Stop avoiding them and confront them with confidence. They will be valuable aides in your life.

The Ice Cream Shop

Jenny opens the door and walks into Bob's Big Ice Cream. She goes up to the counter and peers into the glass. Her big blue eyes brighten when she sees all the ice cream flavors - vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, - an endless rainbow of colors and choices to choose from. Smiling, she waves her hand to get the cashier's attention.

"Hey, Bob! I'll get my usual."  She opens up her black purse and fishes around for loose coins. She grabs a handful and plops them down on the counter.

Bob, an older man in his fifties, scoops up the quarters and dimes and puts them into little piles as he counts them. With a grunt, he gathers all the coins and rings up the cash register, placing them into neat rows. He bangs shut the machine, and turns to her, an amused look in his green eyes.

"Vanilla ice cream again, Jenny? We have over fifty flavors of ice cream, and you always pick vanilla. Don't you ever want to try something new?"

Jenny rolls her eyes and waves a hand in dismissal. "Nah, I like vanilla - always have. Why would I ever want to try something new? It's just bound to disappoint me." She grabs a plastic spoon and some napkins and waits for Bob to get her ice cream.

Bob scoops her vanilla ice cream into a cup and hands it to her. "No offense Jenny, but I  think you're missing out. Don't be afraid to try new things. You might discover something you truly love."

 Jenny nods and takes the cup from him. "Sure Bob, whatever." She plunges her spoon into her ice cream and eats it slowly, savoring it as she strolls out the store.

Bob watches her go. He sighs and shakes his head. "Why is everyone so afraid to try a new flavor?" he says softly to himself.

rainbow

ice cream flavors

in a shop

How To Enjoy Life

sunrise

a smiley face

in my notebook

Throughout human history, people have wondered how to enjoy life. What makes a happy life? What can we do to find happiness?

The answer is to consider the end result - death. Death is the curse of all things born into this world. What was born must die. If we understand and accept this truth, we are one step closer to unlocking the power we do have - the power of the present.

If we want to enjoy life, we must live in the present. Put away all your old fears - let those memories collect dust in the tomb of the past. No matter how much you may wish to change those distant memories, you cannot. Step away and let those memories rest in peace - the peace of an untroubled mind.

The same goes for the future. Life is too chaotic - too variable to plan your future in the minutest detail. One small misstep can make the tower of your dreams come crashing down. Plan if you wish, but do not plan so much that you live your whole life in the future waiting for something to happen.

The only thing we control is the present - one day at a time. Enjoy that day like it was your last - for it might very well be. Seek out new experiences and opportunities. Read good books and make new friends - explore yourself and your world. Never pass up a good thing in your love for life. For if you can make the most of your day, you are a lucky person. You know how to enjoy life.

The Power Of Persuasion

a lightbulb

drawn on the chalkboard

seeds in your mind

By nature, we are social animals. We thrive on the interaction of others. This feeling of togetherness is what compels us to form groups - our family, our friends, our place in society.

With this closeness comes the need to share our ideas with others - to persuade them to our way of thinking. We can achieve this through the power of persuasion.

But how do we persuade someone? What can we do without using threats or force? The answer is to look within ourselves and make use of one of our greatest gifts - the power of belief. Like it or not, we are emotional creatures. All the beauty of a perfect Aristotelian syllogism means nothing if your audience can not feel the emotion in your words. True persuasion is not won by fancy logical equations, but by the power and conviction in your words - you feel so strongly about something that your passion passes through your audience and wins the heart of the people.

Which would you rather have? The finest mathematical proof set up in perfect order, or the enthusiasm of someone who loves their subject and yearns to shares their knowledge with others? Do you favor human warmth and feeling, or a cold equation?

Remember this: People are not moved by perfect logic, but by the power of your beliefs and your enthusiasm. If you want to win the hearts of your audience, you must follow these principles. Only then will you have the power to persuade.