It was only when I came to realize that the most traditional and commonly accepted approaches I had learned in training as a psychologist were not useful in helping people understand and deal with the disturbed characters in their lives that everything began to change.

Most senior moments are no cause for concern. But with the continuum of cognitive impairment ranging from normal age-related cognitive decline to Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) to a variety of more severe dementias, including Alzheimer’s, how is one to know?

The scientific picture is still pretty murky with respect to whether and how much coffee is really good for you, but simply nothing that can help rectify a discombobulated mood like a fresh cup of Java.

The demands of the external world frequently and successfully divert our attention from the world within. It takes considerable focus and commitment to seek and explore the wonders of that hidden world.

Although I once brushed it off as trite and unrealistic, I’ve come to realize that Fromm was right: there is an art to loving.

Developing sound character takes work — a lot of work. The hardest part is being honest with oneself, examining one’s conscience and one’s track record, especially under adversity.

We seem to have lost something. What it might be is hard to say. But it has something to do with our willingness to reckon with the truth.