Susan Notes: In ancient Greece (469 - 399 BC), Socrates was widely lauded for his wisdom; there's no doubt about that. However, whether or not this story is fact or fiction is unknown. But it's kind of a cool rule to follow...

One day the great philosopher came upon an acquaintance who ran up to him excitedly and said, "Socrates, do you know what I just heard about one of your students?"

Wait a moment," Socrates replied. "Before you tell me I'd like you to pass a little test. It’s called the Triple Filter Test."

"Triple filter...?"

It was the coldest winter ever – so cold that many animals froze to death.

In an effort to save themselves from this icy fate, the porcupines decided to gather together to fend off the chill.

They huddled close to each other, covered and protected from the elements, and warmed by their collective body heat.

Susan notes: This is an anonymous story from someone’s school days. Having found myself to be in exactly the same situation many times, I have cause to reflect on the lesson often. Hopefully I will one day fully integrate it into my life and not have to reminded again and again...

When I was in elementary school, I got into a major argument with another girl in my class. I forgot long ago what the argument was about, but I have never forgotten the lesson I learned that day.

A waterbearer in India had two large pots, one hung on each end of a pole, which she carried across her neck.

One of the pots had a crack in it. While the other pot was perfect, and always delivered a full portion of water at the end of the long walk from the stream to the mistress's house, the cracked pot arrived only half full.

A baby asked God, "They tell me you are sending me to earth tomorrow, but how am I going to live there being so small and helpless?"

God said, "Your angel will be waiting for you and will take care of you."