A place by the fire

The good news is bad news first. That’s why, when misfortune comes, we must open our door to the black-robed stranger, motion him in and welcome him to a place by the fire.

Reacting to misfortune

It cannot be called a failing if our reaction to someone else’s misfortune is understated and perfunctory—provided, of course, that when we ourselves experience misfortune, our reaction is also understated and perfunctory.

Know yourself

If you are looking for a place to begin, start with I AM. This is Life’s most basic fact. You can dive straight into it.

I AM animates this small 162-pound mass, circulates its blood, digests its food, eliminates its waste, grows its hair and does all of the other things necessary to a normal existence. Without I AM, I’m ash in an urn.

Shouldn’t I at least begin to acquaint myself with this power?

At this point, I know this much: If I am conscious of I AM, all is well. If I am not conscious of I AM, all is not well.

I may be wise in the ways of the world. But worldly wisdom will not protect me. Calamity and misfortune will land at my door. I am not being punished. I am ignorant, is all.

I AM. Is there a higher authority? I see none other. I know none other.