I found this little riddle in the front of the book we are starting to review for FHE and shared it this week. We had a good discussion on the possible answers – the kids came up with some great guesses! I think it is quite brilliant. And so true.

Who am I?

I am your constant companion. I am
your greatest helper or heaviest burden. I will push you onward or drag you down to failure. I am completely at your command. Half the things you do you might just as well turn over to me and I will be able to do them quickly and correctly.

I am easily managed – you must merely
be firm with me. Show me exactly how you want something done and after a few lessons I will do it automatically. I am the servant of all great individuals and, alas, of all failures, as well. Those who are great, I have made great. Those who are failures, I have made failures.

I am not a machine, though I work
with all the precision of a machine plus
the intelligence of a human. You may run me for a profit or run me for ruin- it
makes no difference to me.

Take me, train me, be firm with me,
and I will place the world at your feet. Be easy with me and I will destroy you.

Who am I ?

I am habit.