Humility, Gratitude, and the Danger of Expectation
"We must learn to reawaken and keep ourselves awake, not by mechanical aids, but by an infinite expectation of the dawn, which does not forsake us in our soundest sleep. I know of no more encouraging fact than the unquestionable ability of man to elevate his life by a conscious endeavor. I t is something to be able to paint a particular picture, or to carve a statue, and so to make a few objects beautiful; but it is far more glorious to carve and paint the very atmosphere and medium through which we look, which morally we can do. To affect the quality of the day, that is the highest of arts." Henry David Thoreau, Walden A few weeks ago a friend of mine called me from college. She had just moved to a new city, chosen a new major, and was trying to make new friends. This is an unsettling (and exciting) experience for anyone. She began to tell me about her frustrations. Needless to say, she was having a hard time. I noticed that the word "should" was used in al...