NIAGARA, Wis. — I was born June 1, 1951. So that makes me just shy of 74 years old. Most of you who read this column are relatively close in age to me — maybe 10 to 15 years on either side of my 74. By this time in our lives, whether we have formally thought about it or not, we have developed a philosophy of life. Through trial and error, we have learned what works for us and what doesn’t. We have developed a way of living that brings us happiness without making life more difficult for anyone else. Hopefully, most of us feel that our presence on this earth has also helped to bring joy and meaning to those we hold most dear. Maybe we have passed our knowledge of life along to our children so that they, too, can feel fulfilled and find joy… and pass that knowledge along to their children.

Quite literally, the term “philosophy” means, “love of wisdom.” The broad definition of philosophy is the conscious understanding of the fundamental truths about ourselves, the world in which we live, and our relationships to that world and to each other. When I was in college, one philosophy course was required to graduate. I took that basic course and fell in love with the subject. Unfortunately, there was no room in my schedule to take more philosophy courses. My schedule was too full of classes to fulfill my English major and graduation requirements.

On the surface, the field of philosophy has been given a bad rap — unfairly, I would argue. It doesn’t seem very practical, after all. We may wonder if what we learn in philosophy class will help us get a better job, make more money, or live more comfortably. We may ask ourselves, “How practical is philosophy anyway?” Or, “Is it worth the money in tuition costs to select it as one of my courses?” I would argue that what one learns by taking a course in philosophy is certainly worth the tuition cost as it helps to inform every life decision we make going forward.

So, let’s take a closer look at this topic. Ancient philosophers may have lived long ago, but their ideas continue to resonate with us today even though we may not realize it. In their pursuit of understanding the complexities of life, they often came up with simple yet profound insights that still hold relevance in our modern times. Following are 10 fundamental ideas from antiquity’s wisest minds.

1. Know Thyself. Socrates, the father of Western philosophy, urged individuals to delve deep into self-awareness when he said, “To know thyself is the beginning of wisdom.” He argued that an unexamined life was not worth living, as understanding oneself is the key to living a fulfilled life. By questioning our beliefs, desires, and motives, we can navigate the complexities of existence with clarity and purpose.

2. The Golden Rule. Confucius emphasized the importance of treating others with kindness and respect when he said, “Do not do unto others what you would not want others to do unto you.” We all recognize this as the Golden Rule of treating others the same way we expect to be treated ourselves. It is a timeless reminder of the power that empathy and compassion have in fostering harmonious relationships and societies.

3. The Dichotomy of Control. Epictetus and other stoic philosophers like him taught the concept of focusing only on what is within our control and accepting what is not when he said, “There is only one way to happiness and that is to cease worrying about things which are beyond our power or our will.” This principle frees us from unnecessary worry about external events, enabling us to focus our time and energy on actions that can actually make a difference in our lives.

4. The Golden Mean. Aristotle advocated for moderation in all things, promoting the idea of finding the balance between extremes when he said, “Virtue is the golden mean between two vices, the one of excess and the other of deficiency.” Whether it’s in pursuing pleasure, seeking knowledge, or exercising virtues, maintaining a middle path fosters harmony and avoids the pitfalls of excess.

5. The Principle of Simplicity. An ancient Chinese philosopher, Laozi, promoted the virtues of simplicity and spontaneity when he said, “Simple in actions and thoughts, you return to the source of being.” We can find true contentment and peace within ourselves by embracing the natural flow of life and shedding unnecessary complexities.

6. The Pursuit of Pleasure. Epicurus defined pleasure as the absence of pain and the tranquility of the mind when he said, “Do not spoil what you have by desiring what you have not.” In other words, seek simple pleasures and cultivate inner serenity rather than chasing fleeting desires that go nowhere. This approach will lead to a more sustainable and fulfilling life.

7. The Doctrine of Change. Heraclitus famously argued that change is the only constant in life when he said, “No one ever steps in the same river twice.” Just like the waters of a running river, life is constantly changing while keeping an element of itself. Accepting this inevitable part of life allows us to adapt and grow, finding strength in the ebb and flow of things.

8. Rejection of Materialism. Diogenes lived a minimalist lifestyle to demonstrate the insignificance of material possessions. His belief is reflected in his words, “The greatest wealth is to live content with little.” His radical rejection of both wealth and social status challenges us to reassess our priorities and find true value in the intangible aspects of life.

9. Acceptance of Fate. The Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius demonstrated the idea of fate and the impermanence of life when he stated, “Accept the things to which fate binds you.” His acknowledgment of the inevitability of death and adversity in life allowed him to cultivate inner resilience and focus on living virtuously in the present moment.

10. The Right to Think. Hypatia, a renowned female mathematician and philosopher in ancient Alexandria, expressed her strong belief in the importance of intellectual inquiry in the pursuit of knowledge when she said, “Reserve your right to think, for even to think wrongly is better than not to think at all.” Despite the societal constraints placed on women during her time, she fearlessly pursued learning. Her example shows us that thinking is our utmost right, and the only way to reach truth is learning from our mistakes.

There you have it — Philosophy 101. Wise words spoken from those who lived their lives long before any of us were here. We can use them as a guide to help us live our own lives to their fullest … so we can add more chapters of wisdom gained along the way of our own life’s journeys.

——

NURSING HOMES/SENIOR LIVING FACILITIES

Freeman Nursing and Rehabilitation Community

Kingsford

906-774-1530

They welcome anyone who would like to entertain the residents. Volunteers are also needed to help with crafts and other activities.

On the third Tuesday of every month at 2 p.m. they host a Memory Cafe — a fun hour to spend with others. For more information, contact Jaime Hathaway at jlhathaway@protonmail.com. The program runs on donations.

Sunday: Catholic Mass on TV, 10 a.m.; coloring, 2 p.m.

Monday: Cinco de Mayo Celebration, 10 a.m. whack the pinata, pass the sombrero, tape the tail on the donkey, nacho bar for all.

Tuesday: Nail spa/room visits 10 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.

Wednesday: Movie in the dining room, 10 a.m.; Jim Edburg/cupcakes and ice cream/women’s club, 2 p.m.

Thursday: Coffee talk, 10 a.m.; room crafts, 11 a.m.; music in the halls, 1 p.m.; bunny visits, 2 p.m.

Friday: Shut the box, 10 a.m.; joke time, 11 a.m.; Golden K bingo, 2 p.m.

Saturday: Word search, 1 p.m.; family time, 2 p.m.; “Weakest Link” on PBS, 7 p.m.

Iron County Medical Care Facility

Crystal Falls

906-874-1501

Sunday: Room visits, 8:30 a.m.; trivia teasers, 9:30 a.m.; chair exercise, 10:45 a.m.; room visits, 12:30 p.m.; afternoon matinee with popcorn, 2 p.m.

Monday: Planting, 9:30; resident council, 10:30 a.m.; exercise, 10:45 a.m.; room visits, 1 p.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; Sunshine Club, 2:30 p.m.; web browsing, 6 p.m.

Tuesday: Just friends, 9 a.m.; book club, 9:30 a.m.; balloon toss, 10:45 a.m.; mystery ride, 1 p.m.; wildlife film, 1:30 p.m.; penny ante, 2 p.m.; classic movie, 6 p.m.

Wednesday: Community breakfast, 8:15 a.m.; Catholic Mass, 10 a.m.; exercise, 10:45 a.m.; Dan’s songs for seniors, 2 p.m.; night bingo, 6:15 p.m.

Thursday: Puzzler, 9:30 a.m.; bowling, 10 a.m.; Bible study, 1 p.m.; wildlife film, 1:30 p.m.; happy hour with Gayle, 2 p.m.

Friday: Getting pretty, 9:30 a.m.; men’s club, 10 a.m.; exercise, 10:45 a.m.; room visits, 1 p.m.; Mother’s Day party with John, 2 p.m.; western movie, 6 p.m.

Saturday: “Price Is Right”/”Pictionary,” 9:30 a.m.; geri-gym, 10:45 a.m.; room visits, 1 p.m.; social hour, 2 p.m.; musical movie, 6 p.m.

Optalis Healthcare

Kingsford

906-774-4805

Sunday: Devotional, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; games or movie, 1 p.m.

Monday: Coffee time, 9:30 a.m.; Cinco de Mayo, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; mystery prize bingo, 2 p.m.

Tuesday: Coffee time, 9:30 a.m.; National Teachers’ Day, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; crochet club, 1 p.m.; crafting, 2 p.m.

Wednesday: Coffee time, 9:30 a.m.; National Pet Week, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; music by Bob Larson, 1:30 p.m.

Thursday: Coffee time, 9:30 a.m.; Parents’ Day, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; crochet club, 1 p.m.; Golden K bingo, 2 p.m.

Friday: Coffee time, 9:30 a.m.; daily chronicle, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; Mother’s Day tea party, 2 p.m.

Saturday: Manicures, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; craft or games, 1 p.m.

Maryhill Manor Nursing Home

Niagara, Wis.

715-251-3172

Families are allowed to attend activities and are encouraged to join in.

Sunday: Coffee and spelling bee, 10 a.m.; delivery of communion, 12:30 p.m.; movie and popcorn, 1:30 p.m.; church service, 2:30 p.m.

Monday: Rosary/communion service, 9 a.m.; pamper and polish, 10 a.m.

Tuesday: Rosary/communion service, 9 a.m.; catch a phrase, 10 a.m.; music with Bob Larson, 2 p.m.

Wednesday: Rosary/communion service, 9 a.m.; Hangman, 10 a.m.; jokereno, 2 p.m.

Thursday: Rosary/communion service, 9 a.m.; baking cupcakes with Bob, 10 a.m.; balloon ball, 2 p.m.

Friday: Hedbanz, 10 a.m.; happy hour with Jim on the piano, 2 p.m.

Saturday: Uno, 10 a.m.; afternoon cinema and popcorn, 1:30 p.m.

Northshore Healthcare

Florence, Wis.

715-528-4833

No information available.

Victorian Pines

Iron Mountain

906-774-5158

Sunday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; Bible study, 1:30 p.m.

Monday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; bingo and refreshments, 1:30 p.m.

Tuesday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; trivia and refreshments, 1:30 p.m.

Wednesday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; bingo and refreshments, 1:30 p.m.

Thursday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; refreshments, 1:30 p.m.

Friday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; refreshments, 1:30 p.m.

Saturday: Juice time, 10 a.m.

Pinecrest Medical

Care Facility

Powers

906-497-5244

Sunday: Morning visits and reality orientation; Bunco, 10 a.m.; trivia, 11:15 a.m.; church services, 1:30 p.m.; name that instrument, 2:30 p.m.: coloring pages, daily chronicle.

Monday: Morning visits and reality orientation; open room, 9:30 a.m.; Cranium Crunch, 11 a.m.; bowling, 1:45 p.m.; Bible studies, 3 p.m.; book club, 4 p.m.; western movie, 6 p.m.; daily chronicle.

Tuesday: Morning visits and reality orientation; open room, 9:30 a.m.; juice hour, 11 a.m.; who-what-where/bingo, 1:45 p.m.; Yahtzee, 4 p.m., daily chronicle

Wednesday: Morning visits and reality orientation; open room, 9:30 a.m.; resident council and food talk with Lacy, 10:45 a.m.; what’s in the bag? 11 a.m.; crafty Wednesday, 1:45 p.m.; kings ‘n’ corner, 4 p.m., daily chronicles.

Thursday: Morning visits and reality orientation; bingo/trivia, 10:30 a.m.; Kwik Trip, Family Dollar, 1:30 p.m.; Kerplunk, 2 p.m.; table talk, 4 p.m.; daily chronicle

Friday: Morning visits and reality orientation, Catholic Mass, 10:30 a.m.; pondering prompts, 11 a.m.; paint and sip, 2 p.m.; book club, 4 p.m.; game night, 6 p.m.; daily chronicle.

Saturday: Morning visits and reality orientation; exercise group, 10 a.m.; juice hour, 11 a.m.; bingo, 1:45 p.m.; one-to-one visits, 3 p.m.; daily chronicle; activity packets.

SENIOR CENTERS

Amasa Center

906-822-7284

Menu for the week —

Tuesday: Chicken stir fry over rice, Oriental vegetables, fruit salad, fortune cookie.

Wednesday: Sloppy Joe with a bun, baked macaroni and cheese, sweet potato fries.

Thursday: Baked turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy, peas and carrots, fruit crumble.

Breen Center

Kingsford

906-774-5110

Dine-in eating Monday through Thursday at noon, salad bar at 11:30 a.m. Carryout meals are available. Soup and salad bar are also available. Friday and night meals are on hold indefinitely. Menu for the week —

Monday: Cheese ravioli with marinara sauce, Italian vegetables, garlic bread.

Tuesday: Chicken stir fry over rice, Oriental vegetables, fruit salad, fortune cookie.

Wednesday: Super grilled cheese sandwich, tomato soup, cole slaw.

Thursday: Meatloaf, mashed potatoes and gravy, corn, strawberry shortcake.

Note: All meals served with a choice of skim milk or juice and fruit.

Crystal Falls Center

Head Cook: Elizabeth Peryam

Assistant Cooks: Debbie Bigalke and Shannon Stapleton

906-875-6709

The center is serving meals for dine-in or takeout – call the center by 1 p.m. to make reservations or place an order. All food purchased from local vendors. All dinners include warm vegetables, salad bar, soup, homemade desserts, coffee, tea or milk. Salad bar begins at 4:30 p.m. and dinner is served at 5 p.m. Pickup for takeout meals is 4 p.m. – call ahead and leave a message with a phone number. A volunteer will deliver meals to homebound citizens only. Menu for the week —

Monday: Chili mac with homemade cornbread.

Tuesday: Beef chop suey over white rice, chow mein noodles.

Wednesday: Scalloped potatoes with ham, dinner roll.

Home-delivered meals (prepared by DICSA – independent from above menu) —

Monday: Cheese ravioli with marinara sauce, Italian vegetables, garlic bread.

Tuesday: Broccoli and cheese soup, ham and cheese slider, Jell-O.

Wednesday: Pork chops, rice, peas, garlic and cheese biscuit.

Thursday: Italian wedding casserole, carrots, dinner roll, pudding.

Dickinson-Iron Community Services Agency

DICSA

Iron Mountain

906-774-2256, ext. 230 or 235

This is a Meals on Wheels program only. Home-delivered meals only — call to make arrangements. Menu for the week —

Monday: Cheese ravioli with marinara sauce, Italian vegetables, garlic bread.

Tuesday: Broccoli and cheese soup, ham and cheese slider, Jell-O.

Wednesday: Pork chops, rice, peas, garlic and cheese biscuit.

Thursday: Italian wedding casserole, carrots, dinner roll, pudding.

Friday: Chicken teriyaki bowl, Oriental vegetables, pears.

Note: All meals include a choice of skim milk, juice, or no beverage.

For more information, call Christine McMahon at 906-774-2256.

Crystal Lake Center

Iron Mountain

906-828-1776

Schedule for the week:

Monday: Les Artistes art club, noon to 3 p.m.; woodcarvers, starting at 9 a.m.

Tuesday: Cards — Pinochle and cribbage, noon to 4 p.m.; Happy Quilters, noon to 3 p.m.

Wednesday: Bingo, 1 to 3 p.m.; cards cost 25 cents, with 10 games played.

Thursday: Spinning Spools quilting, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.; board games, 1 to 3 p.m.

Friday: Cards — Smear, noon to 4 p.m.; chess, noon.

Felch Center

906-246-3559

Menu for the week —

Monday: Smothered chicken and rice, California blend vegetables, dinner roll, pudding parfait.

Tuesday: Deluxe hamburger, baked beans, fruit salad.

Wednesday: Oven-fried fish, buttered noodles, tartar sauce, corn, cookies.

Aging and Disability Resource Center

Florence County, Wis.

715-528-4890

Menu for the week —

Monday: Ravioli with meat sauce, green beans, garlic bread, fruit.

Tuesday: Sub sandwich with lettuce, tomato and onion; vegetable pasta salad; applesauce.

Wednesday: Meatloaf, mashed potatoes, broccoli Normandy, fruit salad, brownies.

Thursday: Roast turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, bean medley, lemon meringue pie.

Friday: Philly cheesesteak casserole, candied carrots, fruit.

Note: All meals served with whole grain bread, butter and milk.

Aurora-Hillcrest Dining Center

Serving at 11:30 a.m. Monday through Friday. For reservations, call 715-589-4491.

Florence Community Center

Serving at 11:30 a.m. Monday through Thursday. For reservations, call 715-528-4261.

Fence Town Hall

Serving at noon Wednesday only. For reservations, call 715-589-4491.

Tipler Town Hall

Serving at noon on second Thursday only. For reservations, call 715-528-4261.

Hermansville Center

Coordinator: Barb Peters

906-498-7735

Center is open 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. Meals are served through the Menominee-Delta-Schoolcraft Community Action Agency in Escanaba. Meals-On-Wheels program is available for those who are homebound.

Monday: Beef taco bake, Mexican corn, oven potatoes, dinner roll, tropical fruit.

Tuesday: Sweet and sour pork over rice, Oriental vegetable blend, diced carrots, Mandarin oranges.

Wednesday: Chicken cordon bleu, loaded mashed potatoes, Capri vegetable blend, dinner roll, cranberry crumble cake.

Thursday: Polish sausage, sauerkraut, boiled red potatoes, peas, whole wheat bread, fruit cocktail.

Friday: Spaghetti with meat sauce, mixed vegetables, side salad, breadstick, mixed fruit cup.

Iron River Center

906-265-6134

Salad bar opens at 11 a.m., with the meal served at 11:30 a.m. No night meals are available. Meals can be prepared for carryout.

Menu for the week —

Monday: Hearty pork stew, pickled beets, dinner roll, Jell-O with fruit.

Tuesday: Cheeseburger, baked fries, baked beans.

Wednesday: Mediterranean-style chicken, buttered noodles, Italian vegetables.

Thursday: Fish with hollandaise sauce, roasted potatoes, corn, pudding parfait.

All meals are served with choice of skim milk or juice and fruit.

Niagara Senior Center/Cafe

715-251-1603

Dinner is served at noon Monday through Thursday. Reservations are required one day in advance. Suggested donation for the meal is $5 for those older than 60 and $11 for 60 and younger. Bingo is played on most Wednesdays. Transportation to the meal site is available.

Tuesday: Chicken enchilada casserole, Mexican pinto beans, Mexican rice, Mexican fruit salad, fruit juice.

Wednesday: Barbecue chicken fillet, wild rice, carrots, spinach salad, applesauce.

Thursday: Mother’s Day lunch — beef tips with gravy, mashed potatoes, green beans, wheat dinner roll, apple pie.

Norway Center

Director: Alicia Rochon

906-563-8716

Dine-in eating begins at 11:15 a.m. Takeout meals are available for pick-up from 11 to 11:30 a.m. Let staff know in advance if planning to dine in or pick up the meal.

Menu for the week —

Monday: Wet burrito with Spanish rice, corn, peaches, cookies.

Tuesday: Tater tot casserole, green beans, Mandarin oranges, apple crisp.

Wednesday: Spaghetti, garlic bread, cauliflower, pears, pudding.

Thursday: Company chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy, peas, tropical fruit blend, cake.

Birthdays and bingo on second Thursday.

Center activity schedule:

Mondays and Thursdays — Exercise at 10 a.m. and card bingo after the meal.

Monday through Thursday — Card game 101 from noon to 3 p.m. Call Joe at 906-563-5587 for information.

Tuesdays — Quilting and sewing.

Wednesdays — Ceramics and crocheting.

Last Monday of each month — Book club at 9 a.m.

Second Thursday of each month — Birthdays and bingo.

Sagola Center

906-542-3273

Dine-in meals served. Salad bar opens at 11 a.m. and meal is served at 11:30 a.m. Carryout meals also available.

Tuesday: Navy bean and ham soup, biscuit with butter, pudding.

Wednesday: Barbecue chicken legs, potato salad, corn-on-the-cob, dinner roll.

Thursday: Cheeseburger, baked fries, baked beans, brownies.

All meals served with an option of milk, juice or no beverage.

Home-delivered meals —

Monday: Cheese ravioli with marinara sauce, Italian vegetables, garlic bread.

Tuesday: Broccoli and cheese soup, ham and cheese slider, Jell-O.

Wednesday: Pork chops, rice, peas, garlic and cheese biscuit.