Metaphysics

One of Richard Rohr’s Five Messages for Men—You are going to die—expresses a common misunderstanding. We do not grow and die. Our bodies do.

Field flowers

On this day I will pay my respects to Epictetus by carrying with me a gentle reminder: Every person I see today, including the man in the mirror, is going to die soon.

The secret of life

Cambridge University-educated Ajahn Brahm dropped theoretical physics in order to become a Buddhist monk. Today, nearing 70, he says the secret of life is that everything is out of control.

Good fathers

Richard Rohr says a healthy masculinity incorporates five truths: (1) Life is hard. (2) You’re not in control. (3) You’re going to die. (4) You’re not that important. (5) Life is not about you. This is why boys need godfathers (good fathers). It is mostly the case that strong spiritual direction doesn’t come from dad. That’s not to be regretted. It’s just how it is.