Things Everyone Should Know

There’s a 2003 film called “Second Hand Lions” where Robert Duvall’s character, Hub McCann, gives a speech. He calls it “what every boy needs to know about being a man.”

“Sometimes the things that may or may not be true are the things that a man needs to believe in the most: that people are basically good; that honor, courage, and virtue mean everything; that power and money, money and power mean nothing; that good always triumphs over evil; and I want you to remember this, that love, true love, never dies. You remember that, boy. You remember that. No matter if they’re true or not, a man should believe in those things because those are the things worth believing in.”

Duvall’s words make sense. They paint a good picture of what a solid belief system looks like. The movie itself is also very good. If you haven’t seen it, make a point to watch it. If you’ve already seen it, it might be worth watching again.

This section is something like that speech only a bit more granular and specific. While there are two other sections on “Vehicle Repair and Maintenance” and “Financial Literacy and Strategies,” this one is about living your best life. I hope it offers ideas and perspectives that might make you think differently. Even if you don’t agree with everything here, considering new viewpoints can help you grow.

I am making this section, in large part, as a love letter to my grandchildren; most of whom I do not see often enough (that’s not a judgement, just the way life is). I also hope it contains valuable information for people of all ages, maybe even my adult children. As with anything in life, use your own discernment to decide what parts apply to you.

Will one video change your life? Maybe. But that’s rare. More likely, it will start you moving in the right direction. Think of it as the Japanese idea of Kaizen—small, steady improvements. Little by little, consistent progress brings the biggest long-term results. Remember the Tortoise and the Hare? Slow and steady often wins the race.

Finally, if you wonder whether everything is preconditioned or preplanned, like Buddhist monks suggest, or if we shape our lives through free will, like many in the West believe, the two concepts are not mutually exclusive. You could be following the exact path you are supposed to be following by using your free will. In that case, you came here because you were always meant to come here (preplanned) because you used your free will to arrive here. That idea can be hard to grasp at first. Regardless, you are here now. Make the most of this moment.

So here’s Things Everyone Should Know

…About Relationships        …About Happiness    …About Life’s purpose and the nature of existence    …About what works (health supplements and practices)