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Ben Franklin

Be always at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let each new year find you a better man.

January 5, 2009

Be always at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let each new year find you a better man.

~Benjamin Franklin

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A good example is the best sermon.

December 9, 2008

From the Gallery of 20th century martyrs at Westminster Abbey- Mother Elizabeth of Russia, Revd. Martin Luther King, Archbishop Óscar Romero and Pastor Dietrich Bonhoeffer

A good example is the best sermon.

-Benjamin Franklin

When we were in England this fall, we ventured over to Westminster Abbey for the day. We went as much to see the fabulous architecture as the famous graves - a veritable who’s who of literary and diplomatic leadership from the past, oh - 500 years? Extraordinary.

Just as extraordinary are the 20th century martyrs above the Great West Door. The martyrs include:

I’ve long admired Dr. King and Archbishop Romero. King for his commanding grasp of western philosophy and his remarkable ability to weave sermons that convey both the complex nature and precise character of the philosophical thought to the lay parishioner. And, it goes without saying, his non-violent approach to the most haunting social justice issue in America. Romero’s conversion from silent enabler to non-violent advocate for the poor and oppressed in El Salvador is inspiring for anyone who champions the cause of right in the environment of egregiously wrong.

As for the others, I am amazed - and more pointedly embarrassed - at the influence culture’s had in limiting my scope. I can’t wait to find out more about these 20th century examples to the world.

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Who is rich? He that rejoices in his Portion.

December 4, 2008

Sharing a trunkful of water with his elephant, a mahout (trainer) refreshes himself during a working day. Photographer: Hank Walker, March 1961. Nepal (LIFE Magazine images on Google)

Who is rich? He that rejoices in his Portion.

-Benjamin Franklin

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There was never a good war or a bad peace.

December 2, 2008

Sculpture By Picasso Hemispheric view of "War and Peace" murals. Designed to conform to size & shape of chapel where they are situated, the two murals, "War" (L) & "Peace" (RRR) start at floor level & join at the top. Photographed by Gjon Mili, July 1967. (LIFE Magazine archives on Google)