NIAGARA, Wis. — When I was in college, one of the most interesting classes I ever took was a philosophy course. On the surface, philosophy sounds like a rather difficult topic to understand. What I learned, however, was that throughout history, mankind has adopted a set of beliefs that has served as a guide through life. Whether we realize it or not, each of us has adopted a set of guidelines we follow to get through our individual lives. We each have a personal philosophy that helps us make the decisions that eventually allow us to build a meaningful and productive life.

Because humans are complex individuals, my personal philosophy will differ from yours or my neighbors. And my own philosophy will naturally flex as I grow in my understanding of life and the other people who live in my world. For example, when I was a child, I was fairly self-serving in that I wanted to fulfill my needs first. And I had to grow in my understanding of the difference between a want and a need. As we mature, we learn how best to manage our lives so we prioritize a true need above the more frivolous want.

Philosophy courses introduce us to people who have made it their life’s work to share their philosophy with the rest of us. This sharing is generally done with the sincere belief that they are helping us to better navigate through life’s challenges. They have found their way, and now they are sharing what they have learned with the rest of us.

One such philosopher was the German-born Friedrich Nietzsche. Nietzsche believed in the importance of individualism and self-expression; he often challenged traditional morality and societal norms, and supported the pursuit of personal excellence. His work has had a profound influence on 20th-century thought, and continues to be debated and interpreted to this day.

Here are 10 quotes that help distill the philosophy of Nietzsche and his visionary ideas —

— “What does not kill me, makes me stronger.” This is one of Nietzsche’s more famous quotes and is a confident affirmation of resilience. Facing and overcoming adversity can be a valuable learning experience for all of us. Not only do we become more capable and confident people, but the process itself will promote personal growth and development.

— “You have your way. I have my way.” As for the right way, the correct way, and the only way, it does not exist. Nietzsche often challenged beliefs that stated there are absolute “right” and “wrong” ways to do things; he believed them to be notions that were tied to what he felt were outdated religious and moral ideals. Instead, he emphasized the importance of personal freedom, encouraging people to explore their own ideas and paths, and to find their own way in life.

— “No one can construct for you the bridge upon which precisely you must cross the stream of life, no one but you yourself alone.” He again emphasizes individualism, and tells us that no one else can make decisions for us, solve our problems, or hand us our successes. In this idea, he reminds us that nothing worthwhile is easy, and that we have the power to shape our own destiny and overcome any obstacle. But he also reminds us that we bear the weight of personal responsibility.

— “If you gaze long into an abyss, the abyss also gazes into you.” This belief provides an insightful cautionary warning by reminding us to pay attention to where we’ve chosen to focus our attention. It’s no secret that when we focus too much on negativity, it can have a profound effect on our own being, consuming our thoughts, emotions, and, eventually, our actions. The “abyss” represents any number of things that we spend too much time contemplating.

— “Become who you are.” This statement reflects one of Nietzsche’s key directives: do not live an unexamined life. This statement embodies the courage that is needed to truly be ourselves. It encourages self-awareness, self-acceptance, and owning the choices we make as we pursue our most authentic selves, even if that means taking a path not usually followed by others.

— “There are no facts, only interpretations.” This statement reflects Nietzsche’s skepticism about absolute truths. He believed there were only different interpretations of knowledge that were shaped by our individual perspectives, experiences, and beliefs.

— “There are no beautiful surfaces without a terrible depth.” Nietzsche firmly believed that there was a definite connection between suffering and joy; one could not truly be experienced without first knowing the other. In this quote, he poetically frames this belief, and suggests that the personal growth that comes from experiencing hardship ourselves allows us to connect with others who are struggling in life. We can better help others with their hardships after we first experience our own.

— “He who has a why in life can tolerate almost any how.” Having a strong sense of purpose in life can give us the strength and resilience to endure just about any obstacle that comes our way. It’s worthwhile, then, to look at our lives and define our “why” in order to stay motivated, and in turn, stay true to our own path. Personally, this philosophy really speaks to me – and probably to most of us. We have lived life long enough to understand that when we have a motivating purpose — a spouse, a parent, a child – that keeps us putting one foot in front of the other each day no matter the challenges, we find our way through the most difficult of circumstances.

— “Without music, life would be a mistake.” Having been musical from a young age, Nietzsche often remarked on the power and importance of music. He saw music as one of the purest expressions of the inner self — something unburdened by the expectations of society — that connected us to forces greater than our human mind. He strongly believed that music had a profound impact on human emotions, thoughts, and experiences. Consequently, life would hardly be meaningful without it.

— “The higher we soar, the smaller we appear to those who cannot fly.” This comparison really intrigued me. We know this to be true in nature. As we watch from the ground, the birds soaring above us get smaller the higher they fly. This quote is a comment on personal excellence and was a foundational idea in Nietzsche’s work. He introduced the concept of the “Übermensch,” (or “superman”) as a goal for all of humanity, and here he provides a visual of soaring high. He warns, however, that the more successful we are, the less relatable we might seem to others; we must be mindful of staying humble and empathetic to those in a different place on their own journey.

While most of us have never really put into words what we believe most strongly in our minds and what we feel most deeply in our hearts, we do have those thoughts and feelings. They comprise our personal philosophy and determine how we live our lives and relate to people around us. We determine our goals based upon those beliefs which, in turn, determines the quality of our life.

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NURSING HOMES/SENIOR LIVING FACILITIES

Freeman Nursing and Rehabilitation Community

Kingsford

906-774-1530

The center welcomes anyone who would like to entertain residents. Volunteers are also needed to help with crafts and other activities.

The third Tuesday of every month at 2 p.m. has 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: Church on TV, 10 a.m.; have fun with the weekend packet, 6 p.m.

Monday: “Price Is Right” on CBS, 10 a.m.; movie in the dining room, 1:30 p.m.

Tuesday: Nail spa, 10 a.m.; trivia, 11:45 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.

Wednesday: Bowling, 10 a.m.; coffee visit, 11 a.m.; Uno, 2 p.m.

Thursday: Crafts, 10 a.m.; trivia, 11 a.m.; arts /crafts, 1:30 p.m.

Friday: Exercise, 10 a.m.; karaoke, 10:15 a.m.; trivia, 11:45 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.

Saturday: Board games in the dining room, 10 a.m.; “The Wall” on the Game Show Network channel, 7 p.m.

Iron County Medical Care Facility

Crystal Falls

906-874-1501

Sunday: Room visits, 8:30 a.m.; reminisce, 9:30 a.m.; chair exercise, 10:45 a.m.; room visits, 12:30 p.m.; bingorama, 2 p.m.

Monday: Early bird bingo, 9:30 a.m.; exercise, 10:45 a.m.; room visits, 1 p.m.; bonfire, 1:30 p.m.; trivia teasers, 6 p.m.

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

Wednesday: Sunshine Club, 9 a.m.; Catholic Mass, 10 a.m.; Dan’s songs for seniors, 1 p.m.; activity council, 2:30 p.m.; night bingo, 6:15 p.m.

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

Friday: Crafts with Bea, 9 a.m.; exercise, 10:45 a.m.; room visits, 1 p.m.; sock hop party with Jan and Gino, 2 p.m.; musical movie, 6 p.m.

Saturday: Room to room bingo, “You be the Judge,” 9:30 a.m.; geri-gym, 10:45 a.m.; room visits, 12:30 p.m.; social hour, 2 p.m.; classic movie, 6 p.m.,

Optalis Healthcare

Kingsford

906-774-4805

Sunday: Manicures and sitcoms, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; coffee time and a movie, 2 p.m.

Monday: Coffee time, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; patio sunshine and garden time, refreshments, 2:30 p.m.; after dinner reminiscing, 5:30 p.m.

Tuesday: Coffee time, 9:30 a.m.; National Cancer Survivor Day, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; beach ball volleyball, 2 p.m.

Wednesday: Coffee time, 9 a.m.; “hook it” game, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.

Thursday: Coffee time, 9:30 a.m.; National Cheese Day, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; “minute to win it” hula hoop game, 2 p.m.

Friday: Coffee time, 9:30 a.m.; “shut the box” game, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.

Saturday: Coffee time, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; weekend pampering — hand massages and face masks, 2 p.m.

Maryhill Manor Nursing Home

Niagara, Wis.

715-251-3172

Visitation is allowed. Families are now allowed to attend our activities and we encourage them to join.

Sunday: Coffee and Yahtzee, 10 a.m.; individual communion, 10:15 a.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.; afternoon ride, 12:30 p.m.; bocce ball, 2 p.m.

Tuesday: Rosary/Communion service, 9 a.m.; five second rule, 10 p.m.; music with Bob Larson, 2 p.m.; Chaplet of Divine Mercy, 3 p.m.

Wednesday: Rosary /communion service, 9 a.m.; left center right, 10 a.m.; jokereno, 2 p.m.; Chaplet of Divine Mercy, 3 p.m.

Thursday: Rosary, 9 a.m.; Catholic Mass, 9:30 a.m.; mugs and Twinkies, 10 a.m.; creative art — butterfly noodles, 2 p.m.; Chaplet of Divine Mercy, 3 p.m.

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

Saturday: Board games, 10 a.m.; courtyard games — table ball, 2 p.m.

Northshore Healthcare

Florence, Wis.

715-528-4833

No information was 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

Morning visits and reality orientation; bunco, 10 a.m.; trivia, 11:30 a.m.; church service, 1:30 p.m.; bean bag toss, 2:30 p.m.; coloring pages, daily chronicles

No additional information was provided.

SENIOR CENTERS

Amasa Center

906-822-7284

Menu for the week — Lunch will be served at 11:30 on Tuesday. For reservations, call 906-822-7284.

Tuesday: Cheese ravioli with meat sauce, vegetable, salad.

Wednesday: Swedish meatballs over noodles, vegetable, cole slaw.

Thursday: Egg salad sandwich, chef salad, pudding.

Breen Center

Kingsford

906-774-5110

Dine-in eating at noon Monday through Thursday. Carryout meals, soup and salad bar are also available. Friday meals are on hold indefinitely. Menu for the week —

Monday: Lasagna, green beans, garlic bread.

Tuesday: Super grilled ham and cheese, baked sweet potato fries, corn.

Wednesday: Fish with summer vegetables, oven roasted potatoes, dinner roll, Jell-O.

Thursday: Stuffed shells, Italian sausage, Italian vegetables, cheesy breadstick, pudding.

Crystal Falls Center

906-875-6709

The center serves meals for dine-in or takeout – call the center by 1 p.m. to make reservations or to place an order. All food is 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: Meatloaf, mashed potatoes.

Tuesday: Grilled chicken, macaroni and cheese.

Wednesday: Roast beef, mashed potatoes.

Dickinson-Iron Community Services Agency

DICSA

Iron Mountain

906-774-2256, ext. 244.

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

Monday: Pancakes, sausage, hash brown potatoes, applesauce.

Tuesday: Crispy chicken bacon-lettuce-tomato sandwich, sweet potato fries, corn, Jell-O with fruit.

Wednesday: Fish, summer vegetables, roasted potatoes, dinner roll

Thursday: Barbecue pork on a bun, sweet potato with butter, green beans, pudding.

Friday: California cobb salad with dressing, yogurt parfait, breadstick

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

For more information, call Sarah VanMarter at 906-774-2256, ext. 244

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

Head cook: Joan Wickman, 906-246-3559

Program president: Lisa Casey, 906-282-7899. 

Salad bar opens at 11 a.m., with the meal at 11:30 a.m. and dessert to follow. Evening meal is served every third Wednesday of the month, with sponsored activities. Takeout meals are available. Delivery offered to homebound residents within Felch, West Branch and Breen townships.

Menu for the week —

Monday: Tuna salad sandwich, soup.

Tuesday: Lasagna, garlic bread.

Wednesday: Boiled dinner — ham, cabbage, potatoes, carrots.

Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) of Florence County, Wis.

715-528-4890

Menu for the week —

Monday: Meatball sub with spaghetti sauce and mozzarella cheese, salad with chickpeas, cucumbers and tomatoes, fruit.

Tuesday: Egg roll casserole, rice, Asian cucumber salad, fruit.

Wednesday: Baked chicken, mashed potatoes, candied carrots, fruit, cookies.

Thursday: Turkey broccoli divan, buttered noodles, beets, fruit.

Friday: Brat on a bun, sweet potato fries, baked beans, fruit.

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

Aurora-Hillcrest Dining Center

Serving on site Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 11:30 a.m. RSVP by calling 715-589-4491. Homebound meals will be delivered on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.

Florence Community Center

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

Fence Town Hall

Closed on Wednesday only. RSVP by calling 715-589-4491.

Tipler Town Hall

Serving at Noon on second Thursday only. RSVP by calling 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: Swiss chicken, brown rice, vegetable, diced carrots, fruit cocktail.

Tuesday: Beef goulash, green beans, stewed apples, whole wheat bread.

Wednesday: Diced ham, scalloped potatoes, corn, pineapple tidbits, whole wheat bread.

Thursday: Crab chef salad, Mandarin beet salad, fruit cup, whole wheat breadstick.

Milk is available at all meals.

Iron River Center

906-265-6134

Open for Thursday evening meal. Salad bar open 4:30 p.m., with meal at 5 p.m. Call for reservations.

These are home-delivered meals. Menu for the week —

Tuesday: Chicken and dumplings, vegatables.

Wednesday: Chili dog, french fries, corn.

Thursday: Ravioli, broccoli, garlic bread.

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. Transportation to the meal site is available.

Bingo on Tuesday and Wednesday at 12:30 p.m.

Tuesday: Barbecue pork rib on a wheat bun, baked beans, diced potatoes, peaches.

Wednesday: Manhattan meatballs, brown rice, peas, broccoli slaw, strawberry shortcake.

Thursday: Beef stroganoff, egg noodles, mixed vegetables, carrot raisin salad, warm applesauce.

Norway Center

Director: Alicia Rochon

906-563-8716

Dine-in eating begins at 11:30 a.m. Salad bar available from 11 to 11:30 a.m. Takeout meals are available for pick-up from 11:15 to 11:30 a.m. — those attending should let staff know in advance if planning to dine in or picking up the meal. Menu for the week —

Monday: Chicken chop suey, rice, Oriental vegetables.

Tuesday: Pulled pork sandwich, fries, baked beans.

Wednesday: Bratwurst, oven-roasted potatoes, wax beans.

Thursday: Pork tenderloin, mashed potatoes with gravy, peas and carrots.

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. Dine-in meal is $5 and takeout meal is $6. Reservations are required and should specify if dining in or taking out. Come and enjoy a meal with us — all are welcome — any age. Menu for the week —

Tuesday: Porcupine meatballs, mashed potatoes, gravy.

Wednesday: Pizza buffet.

Thursday: Barbecued chicken, potatoes, carrots.