Category Archives: Essay

On Kindness

Posted on November 24, 2016 by Dave Hood

Dave H “No one has ever become poor by giving,” Anne Frank wrote. Yet, when I read the history books or gaze at the outer world, I notice an utter lack of kindness in humanity. There is a lack of generosity … Continue reading →

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Personal Essay: On Self

Posted on May 17, 2016 by Dave Hood

By Dave Hood What is “self?” For most people, self means personal identity. Self answers the question: Who am I? Self is also part of the psyche or mind. It is a collection of experiences and memories, thoughts and emotions, … Continue reading →

Posted in Article, Collage Essay, Essay | Tagged annihilation of self, art, Buddhism, Carl Jung, death, definition, essay, mental illness, non-self, obliteration of self, self, self image, soul, Spirit | Leave a comment

On Happiness

Posted on April 28, 2016 by Dave Hood

What is happiness? It is a feeling of contentment or satisfaction. I am not referring to fleeting enjoyable moments or short experiences of pleasure, but an enduring sense of contentment and satisfaction with one’s life. This desire to feel happy is what motivates most people. To be happy is the meaning and purpose of human existence. Most people, don’t say to themselves, ” I am going to do this or that or some other thing so I can be happy.” Instead, the pursuit of happiness is carried out indirectly in one’s quest for pleasure or satisfying experiences. Continue reading →

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Essay: On Compassion

Posted on November 11, 2015 by Dave Hood

Dave Hood “The simplest acts of kindness are by far more powerful than a thousand heads bowing in prayer.” ― Mahatma Gandhi We live in a world lacking in compassion. The sad reality of humanity is that the vast majority … Continue reading →

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Essay: On Heroism

Posted on October 5, 2015 by Dave Hood

By Dave Hood Great heroes need great sorrows and burdens, or half their greatness goes unnoticed. It is all part of the fairy tale.”― Peter S. Beagle, The Last Unicorn “The hero’s story is always a journey. A hero leaves … Continue reading →

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Short Essay: The Enchanting Shadow

Posted on September 9, 2015 by Dave Hood

By Dave Hood “Life itself is but the shadow of death, and souls departed but the shadows of the living,” noted Thomas Browne, 16th Century writer, physician, and philosopher. Since the dawn of time, the shadows of people, objects, things, … Continue reading →

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Short Essay: The Pain of Waiting

Posted on August 27, 2015 by Dave Hood

Dave Hood “We never live; we are always in the expectation of living.” ―Voltaire Waiting is about expecting something to happen. Waiting can be like someone we dislike who challenges our patience and threatens our peace of mind. Sometimes one … Continue reading →

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