The first few weeks of school are great in many ways, but too busy in others. This year I have thrown starting up a new business (in addition to my regular work) and I feel completely swamped. But no complaints. We are blessed.

But, some things have slipped and I need to get back on track with my documenting (common theme this year. It really has been the craziest year ever!)

Last week I didn’t do quote of the week. To some extent, that was purposeful as the quote two weeks ago needed to hang around our kitchen for another week. Ahh, teenagers….

This week, I felt uninspired. I have been searching, but coming up empty handed.

Until this jumped out:

“There are seven things that will destroy us: Wealth without work; Pleasure without conscience; Knowledge without character; Religion without sacrifice; Politics without principle; Science without humanity; Business without ethics.”
— Mahatma Gandhi

I know teenagers are struggling with their identity, figuring out what they stand for, what they believe, establishing their independence, and voicing their opinions. It’s a natural part of growing up.

But sometimes you just shake your head!!

And who could sum up a lot of things better than Gandhi!

We all want some form of Wealth, Pleasure, Knowledge, Religion, Politics, Science, and Business in our lives (and even if you are not religious — most people want peace, answers, inspiration, spirituality; with politics, most want a well led society, world problems to be solved etc.) So, we all want these things.

But what are we willing to do to get them? Work? Develop and live by a strong personal and social conscience? Be of strong character and continue developing? Sacrifice many things? Live by strong principles even if that is not always easy? Have a sense of compassion and humanity? Have a code of unwavering ethics, even when no one is looking?

Because without those things, everything else is fleeting.

Thank you Gandhi for putting so many of the thoughts I am trying to understand and live by myself and teach my children in such eloquent form.

And guess what? Gandhi was one of the most humble men around. Hmmm… Another trait, that without it, will lead to our destruction….