"We are, I believe, pretty much what we seem to be...most of us are who we will ourselves to be. Some of us are more introspective than others, more given to questioning the authenticity of our feelings and pangs of existential dread. But we are defined by what we do in the world, not by prattling internal monologues. Motives matter less than effects: Give money to do-gooder causes and you are charitable. Comfort a crying child and you are being kind. Apply your attention and care to the needs of afellow creature and you are loving.
While there may be a real and persistent voice inside you announcing your uniqueness and indestructibility, the evidence of the world contradicts those notions. You are special only to the extent that your life is a mathematical improbability, you are as dispensable as any of the funny names in the musty old books. What your hearttells you is not always correct-the world does not recognize your exceptionalistic claims. The world knows you only through your deeds.
Practice living decently and you become decent, no matter what mad bats flap in your heart."
Quote from Philip Martin's "Living Decently Even in Ordinary Ways" from the Arkansas Democrat Gazette 11/15/09, Perspective Section
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