From Our Random Observer

In 1492, Columbus discovered America, which, up to then, had been minding its own business.

If there's a lesson in history, it is that you don't ever want to be discovered by a more advanced civilization. 

One thing you never get from love is a credible explanation of what it sees in you.

The chief cause of unemployment is getting the job done.  If you want steady work, merely show progress.  

 We get pretty much the happiness we arrange to have, the happiness mainly in the arrangements.

It is a difficult trade, comfort for happiness, and usually done over the loud objections of the body.

Well, Yes, Now That You Mention It

 When science tells us that nothing prior to The Big Bang can be known, it effectively says, "There be God." 

What makes accepting reality so hard is that our perception of reality keeps changing, while our delusions stick to their story.

A human lifetime is that brief instant in all of eternity when we have no alibi.

We find in our imagination the means to overcome most obstacles, a good thing because that's where we find most obstacles.

To believe anything on insufficient evidence is to believe anything, because there is never a shortfall of insufficient evidence.

From My Observation Post

As much as we crave admiration and respect, it's hard to resist someone who just thinks we're funny.

What is often lacking in people of good intention is a compelling ulterior motive.

There are days when it would be hard to remain an optimist were it not for your army of secret admirers.

The words, "I'm not perfect" are usually accompanied by a willingness to hear arguments to the contrary.

There is a tendency to confuse inherited worth with inherited worthiness.

Nothing makes you question the importance of good parenting like the success of your neighbor's kids.

Love Is A Many-Splintered Thing

  

 

 "The cause of many a broken relationship is someone who craved respect and got love."

"Most sinners know who their forgivers will be, and that, more than anything else, is what makes it a sin."

Nothing is more difficult, after you say, "I love you," than explaining what you didn't mean by it.

Thoughts Of A Clearly Older Fellow

There are worse moments in old age than recalling some long-ago embarrassment and realizing that you have outlived all the witnesses to it.

 

You can look upon life as dust to dust or you can look upon life as seed to seed.

Sign over the gates of Hell, "DOESN'T MEAN YOU'RE A BAD PERSON."

We all know them -- people who, if they end up in the fires of Hell, will complain about their neighbors screaming too loudly.

Parenting, too, is an art form, although one in which you don't get to hide your early, amateur works in the attic.

 

No one really wants to be someone else.  We want to be ourselves, only with someone else's brains and talents and physical reflection in a mirror. 

We crave understanding, believing that with understanding will come approval.  But not everyone who disapproves of us misunderstands us.

Questionable Question Marks

 "Given that we all believe things on insufficient evidence, why not believe that there's a little good in everyone?"

"If the art of the magician is to distract attention from what's really happening, then what is life but the ultimate magic trick?"

"Need lovers always agree?  I dunno -- need poetry always rhyme?

"Ever have a day when you can't get started on anything because nothing else can wait?"

"Have you ever wondered how there came to be less wealth than fair shares?" 

Dry, Sly And Wry

As reported in Genesis, the Creator surveyed His handiwork and saw that everything was good, not great, which pretty much squares with my own assessment. 

The thing I like best about keeping my own company is that I can usually sense when it's time to leave.

Nothing last forever, which is not to say it cannot seriously overstay its welcome.

If I distrust people different from me, it is because they are not different enough.

According to recent psychological studies, the need to own a dozen cats is really a suppressed desire to own two dozen cats.