Some of us worry about a resurgent Islam and its attendant complications for a decayed Western civilization; some of us worry about global warming. In twenty years' time, one of us will be proved right . . .

Those of us have minimized expectations walk around with a greater sense of thankfulness (because so many wonderful things that we didn't expect come our way each day).

America, not Keith Ellison, decides what book a congressman takes his oath on.

The more the state gives to its citizens, the less they have to earn. That is the basic concept of the welfare state - you receive almost everything you need without having to earn any of it. About half of Americans now pay no federal income tax - but they receive all government benefits just as if they had paid for, i.e., earned them.

Finding patterns is the essence of wisdom

Whatever one does for a living, three questions need to be confronted before it is too late: What really matters to me? What price do my spouse and kids pay for my career success? What price does my soul pay?

Happiness is not so much a feeling as it is an attitude