Attaining Wisdom A young man once asked Socrates, “How can I attain wisdom?” “Come with me,” replied Socrates. He took the lad to a river, pushed his head under water, and held it there until the boy was gasping for air. He then released the...
A Balanced View of Life Three men were standing on a flight of stairs. The first stood at the top, the second at the bottom, and the third in the middle. The first man observed, “These steps go downward.” “No,” said the second, “These steps...
The Guilt of Sin A woman once visited a holy man with repentance in their heart. “We have done wrong,” they said, “and our consciences are troubled. Can you tell us what we must do to wash away our guilt?” Tell me about your wrongdoings,...
The Remedy for a Stressful Life Sunil George had a severe heart attack. His family doctor was called. The doctor’s verdict was somber. “Sunil,” he said, “You have been neglecting my advice to take it easy. Now, I will make no bones about it. You’re...
Politeness Pays Samuel Johnson, who had just returned from a tour of Scotland, was the guest of honour at a banquet. The hostess had a special dish prepared for the doctor, in light of his recent trip to Scotland. When Johnson had tasted the dish,...
Emulate Lincoln’s Humility At the height of the Civil War, Lincoln and his Secretary of War visited the battle side house of General George McClellan on some urgent business. Since he was not at home, they waited in his parlour. When the General finally...
Politeness Moves the Heart A shrimp peddler had set us his hand-cart in the very spot where an important Member of Parliament was trying to park his car. The peddler was rudely ordered to take his handcart out of the way. “Look for another parking...
Be Assertive, Not Aggressive Dr. Creighton, Bishop of London, loved tobacco. One day, he was travelling by train. He had only one co-passenger in the compartment, a man who looked meek and small. The Bishop took his cigar case and with a smile, said to...
Humility Speaks in Silence For one traveller, it was a surprisingly pleasant train journey from New York to Philadelphia as there was only one more passenger beside her. Her co-passenger was a rather heavyset man. But her comfort was disturbed when the man lit a...
Tempting Egos Once, the devil took the disguise of an angel. He appeared before a holy man and said, “Holy man, I have been sent by God to bestow your life’s desire on you.” The holy man’s response made the devil vanish instantly.
