"When I think of important words to pass on to others as 'wisdom,' the words that come up are not original, but ones given to me by my parents and other wise people.

My father told me, 'If you and I agree on everything, one of us may be unnecessary,' and 'You learn much about yourself by noting the nature and character of those who oppose you.' My mother taught, and others later affirmed, the vital importance of rigorous honesty, and of taking responsibilities seriously. She also said 'You have two ears and one mouth - use them in that proportion.'

Personal experience has demonstrated that fundamentalism in any form can be destructive, and that spiritual experience is awesome. And I believe that the concepts embodied in the Serenity Prayer may be among the most powerful and useful words-to-live-by ever written."