Category: Culture
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“Daring Greatly”, by Brene Brown
Daring Greatly is a bestseller that helps people gain practical insights on how to be themselves. It’s categorized as self-help. However, the help available via Daring Greatly is based on being connected with others. The concepts are applicable across personal and social contexts. I broke a house rule because of Daring Greatly. I could not…
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The Power of Vulnerability
Most people don’t readily see the power of vulnerability. But powerful it is. Vulnerability is not weakness. Indiviudally and collectively, we need to better understand and accept this emotional exposure. Illustration by Peter Wehrman. “To share your weakness is to make yourself vulnerable; to make yourself vulnerable is to show your strength. Crissi Jami At…
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When the Going Gets Tough
When the going gets tough, the tough get going. That’s what Jimmy “Doc” Lee said to Pekin, Illinois high school classes in the sixties and early 1970s. He was the loved and respected athletic trainer. His lessons influenced many of the small town youth in the American way. The simple message still resonates today. Another…
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“A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood” with Tom Hanks as Mr. Rodgers
It’s a beautiful day in the neighborhood when you see a finely crafted reminder of how special we all are and who Mr. Rodgers is. Mr. Rodgers is one of the better angels among us. Mr. Rodgers and this movie might be timeless. This movie is highly recommended. However, it is much more than a typical…
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Our Better Angels
Here we honor and acknowledge our better angels of justice. They are persons or their legacies that lead our country’s people toward improved quality of life. The term “better angels” is dramatic. It evokes positive connotations in most thinking, caring people. Folks are enamored with the term. It has spawned organizations and books and learned…
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“Under Cover” by John Roy Carlson, an original Anti-Fascist
Young Armenian immigrant John Roy Carlson went under cover in New York’s Nazi fascist community in 1939, where he participated and gathered information under an assumed identity for four years. He then immediately wrote Under Cover – it was revealing and important when written – and it’s still vital and relevant to understanding threats to…