New Year's Resolutions 2009

This is the first time I have set resolutions for the new year. Maybe it means I am getting old or something.

1. Be a Mensch. I think the Buddhists have it right. If we can leave the world not having caused pain and suffering to others, then we will have led a relatively good life. Being a Mensch though is not easy.  


2. Run a 3:30 Marathon. Distance running for me is the ultimate quest, exemplifying the pursuit of self-reliance in the Emersonian sense. For my age group (45-49) the qualifying time to run the Boston Marathon in 2010 is 3:30. You can follow my ruminations on running and runners here in a new blog: Gunnin' for Boston.
   
   
3. Read Shakespeare’s plays. The Ancient Greeks had the saying: Gnothi Seauton (Know Thyself). I believe the way to self knowledge is through language. And when it comes to the English language Will is the man. You can follow my pursuit of Shakespeare here: In Search of Will (Shakespeare).
   
   
4. Get a Dog (or two). For those who have lived with and loved dogs I don’t have to say any more. It will probably be a German Shepherd.