OPINION:
A few days ago, I talked with professor Henry Barbour’s public policy class at the University of Mississippi. We discussed what was happening in Washington, who the next president might be and all sorts of trivia.
Unfortunately, we did not get around to talking about what was really on the minds of those young scholars. Like people everywhere, especially young people, they wanted to know whether things would turn out OK for them, those they love, and their neighborhood and nation. They also wanted to know how best to get from where they are to where they want to be.
The short answer to the first unspoken question is yes. Things are indeed likely to turn out well for them and the nation. Otto von Bismarck once correctly noted that God has a special affection for fools and the United States. He was right. God loves everyone, but he does seem to lean toward the Americans. As long as we remain a nation that seeks to do what is morally right, we will probably be all right.
The more complicated question is what will become of the students in Public Policy Leadership 211.
The good news is that their fate is primarily up to them. Although no one can control the incidentals of their lives — where, when and to whom they were born, their intellectual capacity or many things that will happen to them — we all control how we respond to events. The essentials of a happy life are not complicated. Work hard at something that helps and has meaning to other people. If you are lucky enough to have a spouse and children, spend time with them and help them along the way as best as possible.
Love your neighbor, ask after them, and help when possible. Create something beautiful in writing, art or music and send it into the world. Understand the difference between the trivial and the important, keeping in mind that almost everything that doesn’t materially affect another human is trivial. Be present in the moment. When you are wrong or wronged, offer and accept apologies freely and without rancor. Don’t carry grudges; they are pointless wastes of time.
Have as few opinions as possible, and share them as infrequently as possible. Spend less than you earn, and remember that money comes and goes; the only thing we spend is time.
If you are fortunate enough to believe in God, try to help others without judgment. If you can’t, try your best to keep looking for the path. Whether you believe it or not, the Ten Commandments are an excellent guide to a healthy life.
Unfortunately, I missed my solitary opportunity to tell those eager and bright students in Oxford, Mississippi, all these secrets to happiness and success. I am sorry; those of us on the dark side of middle age should share our wisdom with the young. I am, however, confident that they, like most of us, will eventually discover these truths independently. I wish them, and all those who search, the very best.
• Michael McKenna is a contributing editor at The Washington Times.
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