Looking Beyond the Fog of Current Circumstances
Karen and Jay share thoughts on the power to transcend immediate circumstances and see the underlying truth!
There is a wonderful saying that goes like this: ‘To see the world according to appearances is easy. However, to see the world according to truth is laborious and requires greater power than any other task man is called upon to perform.’ In other words, it’s very easy for our perspectives to be shaped by the conditions that are so very apparent right around us. These are in our close-up view. They also often seem to demand our immediate attention and act directly upon us. And this is particularly the case when these circumstances are challenging and discouraging. As a result, they have a disproportionate effect in shaping our view of the world and tend to sap our energy. However, those who can rise above these immediate circumstances and see the underlying truth that transcends the situation, these individuals find themselves in a uniquely powerful position. They rise above the crowd and have the opportunity to drive great progress and create extraordinary success. One of the most profound examples of transcending current conditions to reveal deeper truths can be found in the life of Viktor Frankl, a psychiatrist and Holocaust survivor, whose compelling experiences during World War II illuminated the resilience of the human spirit. While imprisoned in Auschwitz, Frankl faced incomprehensible horrors that stripped away the very essence of life itself. Yet, amidst unimaginable suffering, he discovered that the meaning one assigns to life can transcend the most adverse conditions. His insights, which formed the basis of his renowned book "Man's Search for Meaning," posited that even in the depths of despair, individuals can choose their responses and attitudes, ultimately rising above the brutality surrounding them. This realization not only empowered Frankl to survive but also inspired countless others to seek meaning in their own lives, regardless of the trials they face, illustrating the profound power of a perspective rooted in truth rather than mere appearance. Those who can identify and channel the truths that underpin their experiences can inspire others and forge paths to extraordinary achievements. It is a journey of transformation, where the fog of current conditions dissipates, allowing clarity and purpose to emerge. It is within our grasp to rise above temporary challenges, harnessing a higher awareness that empowers not just ourselves, but also those around us to pursue a life rich with meaning and potential. So, the next time you find yourself feeling overwhelmed by current circumstances, please take a deep breath and do what you can to transcend the moment and see the underlying truth that can guide you.
This week are delighted to highlight a political figure of yesteryear who was an unwavering advocate in the search for truth, our 30th President of the United States, Calvin Coolidge. Coolidge was a leader defined by quiet strength, unwavering principles, and a steadfast belief in limited government. Born on July 4, 1872, in the small town of Plymouth Notch, Vermont, Coolidge grew up in a modest, hardworking environment that shaped his character. Known for his reserved demeanor and sharp wit, he earned the nickname ‘Silent Cal. Yet, as can be seen below, he well could also have been known as ‘Truth Seeking Cal.’ Moreover, his actions spoke volumes. Rising through the ranks of Massachusetts politics, Coolidge gained national recognition as governor when he firmly handled the 1919 Boston Police Strike, reinforcing his reputation as a man of law and order. He unexpectedly became president in 1923 following the sudden death of Warren G. Harding, taking the oath of office by lamplight in his family’s farmhouse. As president, Coolidge championed economic prosperity, tax cuts, and reduced government intervention, guiding the country through the booming Roaring Twenties. Despite his popularity, he chose not to seek re-election in 1928, retiring to a quiet life in Northampton, Massachusetts. When it comes to truth, President Coolidge serves as a shining example. He believed that embodying the virtue of truth in everyday life is a deeply spiritual principle—a belief he consistently spoke about throughout his presidency. During a speech on October 15, 1924, Coolidge stated: “The government of a country never gets ahead of the religion of a country. There is no way by which we can substitute the authority of law for the virtue of man.” On October 6, 1925, in Omaha, Nebraska, he said: “We cannot place our main reliance upon material forces. We must reaffirm and reinforce our ancient faith in truth and justice, in charitableness and tolerance. We must make our supreme commitment to the everlasting spiritual forces of life. We must mobilize the conscience of mankind.” In an address given in Washington on September 21, 1924, he declared: “The Constitution and laws of our country are adopted and enacted through the direct action of the people, or through their duly chosen representatives. They reflect the enlightened conscience of our country. They ought always to speak with the true and conscientious voice of the people. To support the Constitution, to observe the laws, is to be true to our own higher nature.” President Calvin Coolidge reminds us that to preserve and strengthen the greatest nation the world has ever known our focus must not be on wealth or material gain but on truth. Truth is the foundation of a just and effective society—it cannot be imposed by external forces but must be cultivated within the hearts and minds of the people. Coolidge believed that truth is the bedrock upon which laws are written, adopted, and upheld; without it, they crumble. If we aspire to build a more perfect Union, we must recognize that progress is impossible without truth at its core. As this week’s Positive Profile, reflecting on Calvin Coolidge’s life allows us to journey back in time and appreciate the profound importance that wise leaders of the past placed on truth.
Quote of the Week
“Truth is the only safe ground to stand upon. There is nothing so powerful as truth.” Daniel Webster
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