In Mourt’s Relation, compiled from the journals of their first year at Plymouth Plantation, William Bradford and Edward Winslow describe what is now referred to as the first American Thanksgiving. By Spring, they and their fellow settlers had built seven dwelling houses and, with much help from their Indian neighbors, achieved a good harvest. In response, Governor Bradford “sent four…
Philip S. Holland Posts
“I could express my Faith in shorter terms. He who loves the Workman and his Work, and does what he can to preserve and improve it, shall be accepted of him.” — John Adams (Letter to Thomas Jefferson, June 28, 1812)
We human beings have many needs – for food, shelter, clothing, transportation, communication, medicine, friendship, entertainment, love, and more – no matter wherever or whenever we live. The source of such needs is our biology and, as such, are immutable, part of who we were, are, and will always be. In this sense, an ancient Athenian and a contemporary American…
“God gives the milk but not the pail” — English Proverb
Children’s Television Pioneer Fred Rogers once said: “Imagining something may be the first step in making it happen, but it takes the real time and real efforts of real people to learn things, make things, turn thoughts into deeds or visions into inventions.” It was this belief, and his desire to instill it in children, that led him to create…
Toiling,–rejoicing,–sorrowing, Onward through life he goes; Each morning sees some task begin, Each evening sees it close Something attempted, something done, Has earned a night’s repose. Thanks, thanks to thee, my worthy friend, For the lesson thou hast taught! Thus at the flaming forge of life Our fortunes must be wrought; Thus on its sounding anvil shaped Each burning deed and thought. From Longfellow’s, “The Village Blacksmith” (Photo by Nicolas Hoizey on Unsplash)
When it comes to qualities exhibited by the human race, many are admired, such as courage, kindness, and responsibility. And for good reason. Yet there is one that seems less cited, possibly even taken for granted, given its sheer contribution to our collective survival and well-being; that is, the human capacity to produce. It seems obvious to say that everything…