Michael Josephson Commentary

Michael Josephson Commentary

The mischief of children is seldom actuated by malice; that of grown-up people always is.
– Antoine de Rivarol, French writer (1753-1801)

To thine own self be true,
And it must follow, as the night the day,
Thou canst not then be false to any man.
–William Shakespeare, British poet, playwright (1564-1616)

A man is called selfish, not for pursuing his own good but for neglecting his neighbor’s.
– Richard Whately, British writer and archbishop (1787-1863)

When a fruit tree ceases to bear its fruit, it is dying. And it is even so with man.
– Elmer H. Bobst, philanthropist

Being sure is not the same as being right. Certainty without humility can lead to self-righteousness that distorts our view and understanding of the world and of people.
– Michael Josephson

Michael Josephson Commentary

Contentment is the grateful, faithful, fruitful use of what we have. Not to drink because one has but half a cup or because one does not like its flavor or because someone else has silver to one’s own glass is to lose the contents. No one is discontented who employs and enjoys to the utmost what he has.
— Maltbie Davenport Babcock, writer, clergyman (1858-1901)
Accept that you are totally, absolutely, 100 percent responsible for what’s going on in your life – for where you’ve been, for where you are, and for where you’re going.
— Roger Dawson, motivational speaker
Be content with your lot; one cannot be first in everything.
— Aesop, Greek slave (620-560 BC)
Happiness is a Swedish sunset; it is there for all, but most of us look the other way and lose it.
— Mark Twain, author, humorist (1835-1910)
Most of us like and admire people who are genuine, even if we disagree with them. In contrast, an insincere person is like a broken watch. It may tell the time accurately twice a day, but no one relies on it.
— Michael Josephson

Michael Josephson Commentary

Every day you get many chances to become angry. All are anger invitations. You could accept every one, in which case you’ll be angry all the time. The key is to ignore the less important invitations.
— Ron Potter-Efron and Pat Potter-Efron, psychotherapists
The chief secret of comfort lies in not suffering trifles to vex us, and in prudently cultivating an undergrowth of small pleasures, since very few great ones are let on long leases.
— James H. Aughey, clergyman (1828-1911)
When I was young, I admired clever people. Now that I’m old, I admire kind people.
— Abraham Heschel, Jewish theologian (1907-1972)
I’ve often wished I had time to cultivate modesty, but I’m too busy thinking about myself.
— Edith Sitwell, British poet, critic (1887-1964)
Every day brings new opportunities to heed the voice of our souls and to find purpose and meaning in simple acts of virtue.
— Michael Josephson