Website owner: James Miller
My background and way of life
I wish to compare my background and way of life with that of the typical person that you would find probably about anywhere in the world. I am 82. I have never even once in my life used a curse word, or a vulgar, obscene, or four letter word. I have never told a dirty story. I have never touched alcohol, drugs, or tobacco. I don’t play cards, gamble or dance. I have never had any problems with the law or, to my knowledge, ever done anything illegal (with the exception of some speeding tickets — although I do have a very good driving record) . What is behind all this? Behind it is personal resolve, personal discipline. And behind that resolve and discipline is religion. My Christian faith.
Now compare the above with the behavior of most people, not only in this country, but around the world — and even more than that, people of all cultures throughout the ages. How do most people live? Most people are not very religious and so religious conviction does not play a big part in regulating their behavior. What determines the things they do, how they behave? Mainly their culture. The values and outlooks of their culture. They follow the crowd and do whatever others around them do.
As people proceed from childhood to adolescence and then into adulthood they encounter all kinds of temptations. And what do they do? Mostly, they do whatever everyone else is doing. And most people don’t have much in moral inhibitions or strong convictions to regulate their behavior. They try smoking, drinking, drugs. They follow others and use all kinds of vulgar, obscene language. They swear and curse. They tell dirty stories. They pursue whatever gives pleasure. They find pleasure in alcohol, drugs, smoking, partying, music, dancing, licentious behavior, fornication, adultery, etc. They may even try a little theft. They look for good times in bars, beer gardens, and dance halls. They find enjoyment in playing cards and in gambling. And in doing all of these things they become experienced in a million things. A million highly developed arts. Wine, women, and song. Beer and women. Drugs. Drugs of many types and varieties. And of course lying and cheating are certainly part of all of this and they are highly developed experts in these arts also. Drugs cost money and people become dependent on them. If they don’t have good jobs and find themselves in need of money their dependence on drugs or the lust for the fast life may induce them to go to a life of crime. They may start selling drugs. Women may sell their bodies.
When I was in college the fellows in my dormitory labeled me a “babe in the woods”. I assume that was because I just didn’t have the experience of the world, the experience with women, the experience of life that they had. They were “worldly wise” and I wasn’t. And I have always been a babe in the woods compared to at least most people. I just haven’t had the kinds of experiences of life that they have had.
And while the rest of the world is following all the ways of the crowd in its quest for Pleasure I set even more austere rules for myself. I practice simplicity and frugality, walk five miles a day, do exercises, sleep on a hard surface, and follow an austere diet.
See About myself
23 June 2022
Jesus Christ and His Teachings
Way of enlightenment, wisdom, and understanding
America, a corrupt, depraved, shameless country
On integrity and the lack of it
The test of a person's Christianity is what he is
Ninety five percent of the problems that most people have come from personal foolishness
Liberalism, socialism and the modern welfare state
The desire to harm, a motivation for conduct
On Self-sufficient Country Living, Homesteading
Topically Arranged Proverbs, Precepts, Quotations. Common Sayings. Poor Richard's Almanac.
Theory on the Formation of Character
People are like radio tuners --- they pick out and listen to one wavelength and ignore the rest
Cause of Character Traits --- According to Aristotle
We are what we eat --- living under the discipline of a diet
Avoiding problems and trouble in life
Role of habit in formation of character
Personal attributes of the true Christian
What determines a person's character?
Love of God and love of virtue are closely united
Intellectual disparities among people and the power in good habits
Tools of Satan. Tactics and Tricks used by the Devil.
The Natural Way -- The Unnatural Way
Wisdom, Reason and Virtue are closely related
Knowledge is one thing, wisdom is another
My views on Christianity in America
The most important thing in life is understanding
We are all examples --- for good or for bad
Television --- spiritual poison
The Prime Mover that decides "What We Are"
Where do our outlooks, attitudes and values come from?
Sin is serious business. The punishment for it is real. Hell is real.
Self-imposed discipline and regimentation
Achieving happiness in life --- a matter of the right strategies
Self-control, self-restraint, self-discipline basic to so much in life