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Old September 5, 2006, 10:29 AM
Hugh Gaugler
 
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Default Why Are We Here?

GARKO,

Over the years, I've accumulated many quotes that I like. Hard to pick a single favorite. However, the following is one that impressed me a lot. Back in 1988, Life Magazine posed the question "Why Are We Here?" Although he has been scorned by many, ex-president Nixon gave, I think, a truly outstanding answer:

"Some contend that we are here only by chance, as stepping-stones in the evolution of the species. Others insist that our lives are predestined by a divine will. I cannot accept either of these extremes because they are based on the false premise that we have no control of our destiny.

"Unless a person has a reason to live, he dies --- first mentally, and then physically. Self-gratification is not an adequate reason to live. Only a life lived for others is worth living. We all cannot expect to be great philosophers, scientists, statesmen or business leaders. But we must always seek to reach out to achieve our full potential. Some of the most heroic lievs are lived by those who cope with the tragedy, adversity and daily drudgery of life and rise above it. It is a mistake to assume that we can ever achieve perfection. But it is an even greater mistake to cease trying. Without risk there will be neither success nor failure. As Thomas Aquinas observed: If the primary aim of a captain were to preserve his ship, he would keep it in port forever."

---- Hugh
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