... suffering does not ennoble. It destroys. To resist destruction, self-hatred, or lifelong hopelessness, we have to throw off th...e conditioning of being despised, the fear of becoming the they that is talked about so dismissively, to refuse lying myths and easy moralities, to see ourselves as human, flawed, and extraordinary. All of us--extraordinary.LESSATTRIBUTION DETAIL »
Our sense of worth, of well-being, even our sanity depends upon our remembering. But, alas, our sense of worth, our well-being, ou...r sanity also depend upon our forgetting.LESSATTRIBUTION DETAIL »
In a toddler's mind, agreeing with you means that he is indistinguishable from you.... The adamant little tot is fighting hard to ...solidify a personal sense of Self. Selfhood sometimes requires great sacrifice and often precludes cooperation.LESSATTRIBUTION DETAIL »
If we view our children as stupid, naughty, disturbed, or guilty of their misdeeds, they will learn to behold themselves as foolis...h, faulty, or shameful specimens of humanity. They will regard us as judges from whom they wish to hide, and they will interpret everything we say as further proof of their unworthiness. If we view them as innocent, or at least merely ignorant, they will gain understanding from their experiences, and they will continue to regard us as wise partners.LESSATTRIBUTION DETAIL »
As parents it is well to be aware of the tendency to equate energetic activity with contest. Our children's worth does not depend ...on their ability to trounce one another. And surely we can find ways of frolicking and being healthy and active together in some joyful, free way that is not an adversary relationship.LESSATTRIBUTION DETAIL »
Awareness of having better things to do with their lives is the secret to immunizing our children against false values--whether pr...esented on television or in "real life." The child who finds fulfillment in music or reading or cooking or swimming or writing or drawing is not as easily convinced that he needs recognition or power or some "high" to feel worthwhile.LESSATTRIBUTION DETAIL »
Ma, sooner or later there comes a point in a man's life when he's gotta face some facts. And one fact I've got to face is whatever... it is women like, I ain't got it.LESSATTRIBUTION DETAIL »