Perceiving Reality

Life satisfaction is correlated more to a person’s inward state, than to a person’s outward circumstances. This concept is the key to understanding the science behind happiness. In our culture we often assume that the circumstances of our external world predict our happiness. But in reality, psychologists say if they know everything about ones external world, they can only predict 10 percent of that persons long-term happiness. This means 90 percent of long-term happiness is predicted by the lens through which one sees the external world—not necessarily how it really is.

Reality is relative. In fact, reality may be perceived as different for two people in the same circumstances. Personal reality comes through how one inwardly see the world. My definition of reality is the lens through which the brain views the world. That lens is what shapes individual reality. If we can change our perspective—by changing the lens through which we view the world—we can control our happiness.

Shakespeare

A grand legend through the centuries—William Shakespeare is undoubtedly the most well-known playwright of all time. He was a bit of a mysterious fellow, but we know he was born in England, and most of his plays were performed at the Globe Theatre in London. Shakespeare is credited with lavish praise for shaping modern drama and theatre. His plays remain a widely regarded part of theatre entertainment throughout the modern world.

Love’s Labor’s Lost is one of Shakespeare’s more unique plays. Abundant with quick wittedness and one of Shakespeare’s early comedies, it breaks the norm from his traditional comedic plays because it does not end with marriage.  It was first performed around 1594, and was first printed in 1598. Shakespearian scholars say Love’s Labor’s Lost targets Shakespeare’s most intellectual crowd; perhaps it was written for the entertainment of university students. The play is rich with literary illusions, sophisticated word choice, and contemporary poetic forms. 

The Four Gospels

In studying the four gospels Matthew, Mark, and Luke will often record an event that John speaks nothing of; likewise, John will record an event that the other authors speak nothing of. Each book is a whole by itself, and at the same time, each book is also part of the whole, as they come together in the harmony of one book.

Together the four Gospels tell who Jesus was, but they are more testimonies than biographies. They descried the character of Christ more so than the day-by-day story line of his ministry.  The testimonies in the gospels tell who Jesus was, what he said, what he did, and why it was important.

Thoroughly reading the four gospels this semester has brought me to a deeper understanding of his nature. I’ve discovered that it is essential to know of the Lord in order to believe in him. The more I learn of the Savior the deeper the roots of my faith grow.