Thursday, October 30, 2003



Pirke Avot (4:1):

Ben Zoma said: Who is wise? One who learns from every person, as it is said in Torah [Psalm 119:99]," from all my teachers I acquired understanding." Who is mighty? One who controls their passion, as it is said [Proverbs 16:32], "He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who masters his spirit than one who conquers a city." Who is rich? One who rejoices in their portion, as it is said [Psalm 128:2], "when you eat the labor of your hands, you shall be happy, and it will be well with you." Happy will you be in this world and it will be well with you in the world to come. Who is honored? One who honors others, as it is said [I Samuel 2:30] , "Those who honor Me I will honor, and they that despise me shall be shamed."

Poor Richard's Almanack, 1744:
Who is strong? He that can conquer his bad Habits. Who is rich? He that rejoices in his Portion.

Two Bens agree.

Lastly, welcome to the blog-o-sphere, Sue.