Tuesday, April 17, 2012

Thoughts about life


The art of life is the art of avoiding pain; and he is the best pilot, who steers clearest of the rocks and shoals with which it is beset.
- Thomas Jefferson









I am a big fan of American History. I recently watched a HBO mini-series on John Adams and the above quote was spoken by Thomas Jefferson. It sort of rang true to me. I think avoiding pain is more luck than skill but I've spent the better part of my adult life staying out of painful situations. Having lost my mother at an early age (for her and for me) I've unknowingly avoided anything that would cause me to feel that or any pain like it again. But I think Mr. Jefferson had it right. There is an art to avoiding pain which is also a way of life. I've been blessed with only one tragedy in my life so far and no other real trials to speak off. Some would say that makes me soft but I would argue that it makes me happy in life.