I have learned that young minds tend to cling to the seeds of certain teachings, irrespective of whether they are true or not; particularly if they are uttered by those they consider role models and think of as their 'betters'. Sadly, more often than not, these seeds can become strongly held beliefs, part of their very character, informing their rule of conduct. They are not, however, convictions set in concrete. The more perceptive among us learn how to distinguish between the truth, and error.

Except for the readjustments demanded by society in general, my paternal grandparents' persistence in falsehoods was also evident in my father. He definitely lagged behind the advance of social change. His system of values supported the same inequalities for longer than anyone I knew;  perhaps because it depends upon one's conscience whether one accepts without question the values handed down to us, or whether by analysis, discipline and self-adjustment one learns good principle and then practices it.

Deep-seated insensitivity to the feelings of others is a failing that the cowardly either refuse to correct, or ignore     to their own detriment. Even lesser things, such as untainted humour or wit, is practiced by very few. I mention this because of the overwhelming evidence of an increasing selfishness in society, and a corresponding loss of humility. Rising numbers of people are adding to Adamic sin, which increases with each succeeding generation, accelerating the ageing process. By contrast, Spirit values cannot be diminished. They have no need of a single thing to be added to them.  When evident, they expose self-interest as totally superfluous.

Quote: 'For although the sum and substance of the happy life is unalloyed freedom from care, and though the secret of such freedom is unshaken confidence, yet men gather together that which causes worry, while travelling life's treacherous road, and not only have burdens to bear, but even draw burdens to themselves; hence they recede farther and farther from the achievement of that which they seek, and the more effort they expend, the more they hinder themselves and are set back. This is what happens, when you hurry through a maze; the faster you go, the worse you are entangled.'  (Epistles of Seneca).  The purpose of this quotation may be deduced from the following:

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