Chapter 67

(here is a nice, simple chapter purposefully written in relaxed language to summarize my best philosophical viewpoints, most of which have already been shared throughout this book so far)

At this point, I would like stop, review, highlight, and summarize a few of my more important thoughts that I have shared throughout this book so far. If a particular piece of writing professes from the very outset to be a unique invasion into common thinking practices, do not be surprised if you are offended. Never settle for mental mediocrity when you can do something about it. If you have the disease of addiction, that does not excuse you from having to change your behavior but rather requires it.

If you get caught in the trap of being more interested in keeping up appearances rather than cleaning up your character, you will never get started in recovery. The ability to influence others carries with it a great responsibility; perhaps this is the basis for why most people try to avoid it. Who you are is who you become a magnet for, and every leader has a certain level of charisma and magnetism; that is what attracts people who want to be influenced. A leader who displays consistency of character, power, and purpose naturally draws people to him. If you take a quick look at your followers, this will reflect who you are as a leader.

Never for the sake of peace and quiet should you deny your own convictions or experience. We do not and should not all say the same things or think the same thoughts, and as such, we should also realize that no viewpoint is secure from misuse or abuse. The easy thing is to go along with everyone else, agree with everyone else’s prejudices and opinions, and just be “one in the crowd.” Never say “I don’t know who I am or where I’m going or what I should do, but at least I’m a member of a group.” You should not be so devoid of an identity that you try to lose yourself in the larger identity of a group and make excuses for why you can’t or won’t do or be more with your life. Never confuse lack of accomplishment or slothfulness with humility.

It’s easy to never amount to much and deceive yourself into believing that at least you’re doing as well as someone else; you should avoid this trap as it is called laziness. The power of your imagination can be the means by which resistance to this retrograde tendency is strengthened, and true validity can be pleasantly found in the logical unity of all your intelligent perceptions. If your imagination is not forced to flow into disciplined channels - which are avenues defined by clear and correct vision, then its uses are degraded into worthlessness. Never get lost only in the language of what might be, what could be, or what you ideal to be. Though an ideal is a perfect example, you will never achieve it; but don’t let that stop you from trying and asking for God's help.

Since time is the only thing none of us can ever afford to waste, we should take the time to plan our time so we don’t misuse our time. During those few moments in life when you reach unusual peaks of human aspiration and genius, you need to take action. And best of all, do not fear or oppose Christianity. It is true, reasonable, philosophically valid, perfectly logical, intelligent, and vastly superior to anything else. If you seek God, He can be found… He is one simple prayer away.