Trivia: Knowing People

Is it true that people who are the most worth knowing are the hardest to get to know?

Studies at Purdue University found the opposite to be true. The investigation showed that people who are the most difficult to get to know, or who don't like to reveal their true selves to another person, tend to be conflict-ridden, unhappy with themselves, and incapable of a really rewarding relationship with any other human being. They wear a mask, or public self, and they are quick to resent it when any one shows enough interest to probe more deeply to find out what they are really like.

The same studies showed that happy people, who had few conflicts, showed no tendency to hide their real selves behind surface appearances or affectations. They were the same all the way through, liked being known and understood by others, and enjoyed cultivating close relationships with people they were attracted to.

Source: Alfredo M. Tengco (ed.), "Nuggets and Grin Tonics" (Book 1)

(Photo courtesy of www.stockxpert.com)

Joke: Greedy Godson

A young building contractor had just gone into business, and to give him a good start, his wealthy godfather asked him to build a mansion. "Here are the plans," said the godfather, "and don't skimp on anything. Forget the cost. I want the very best materials used."

The greedy godson wasn't satisfied with this generous gesture and instead of employing top-grade labor and buying the finest materials, he shortchanged his benefactor in every possible way. Finally the last secondhand nail had been driven into the last flimsy wall, and the young man handed over the keys and bills totalling several million pesos to his godfather.

The godfather promptly wrote out a check and handed the keys back to the young builder. "That house yu just built, my boy," he said, "is my present to you. It's all yours. May you live in it in happiness for the rest of your life."

Source: Alfredo M. Tengco (ed.), "Nuggets and Grin Tonics" (Book 1)

(Royalty-free picture courtesy of www.stockxpert.com)

A Few Words on Life from Pablo Casals

Since I have just been through a period of reflection which resulted in my reinvention of this blog, this anecdote from an anonymous source which was emailed to me by a friend many years ago seem apropriate. Let me share this story with you:

A man should become all that he is created capable of being.

Think of the example of Pablo Casals, the small town boy who
became world famous as a musician. At four he sang Gregorian chants in the
parish church, at six he studied the piano and the organ and wrote music, at
seven he began to study the violin, at 11 he took up the cello...and so on, step
by step, until at 90, he conducted performances at three major symphonies, the
recordings of which are giving world-wide pleasure.

Whenhe was 83 years old, Casals was asked why he continued to practice four
and five hours every day. Casals gave this reason: "Because I think I am making
progress."

All that is expected of each of us--is that we will make the best use of
things that are within our power.

I think blogging is within my power, so here I am. Good day to all...