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When I look back over my life I have read a vast amount of writing by others. Most of that has interested or amused me; a little has influenced my view of one thing or another but I wonder if any actually changed me.
Some other books read later in life (‘The List’ and the books of Scott Peck, David Schnarch, Anthony De Mello and Nancy Friday) have touched me profoundly, I am left with strong feelings of love for the authors and a debt of gratitude I can never repay.
These however touch me because of who I am, my peculiar combination of interests weaknesses and strengths; and the other books I read also contributed to this. It is not at all apparent that I might have learned anything from these writers had I not been first predisposed to hear what they had to say. It is certainly true that we hear and see only what we expect. Things which do not fit in with our own ‘world view’ simply are not recognised – and to us they do not exist. Hence, I am doubtful that anything I write will have much influence over any reader (if there are any at all who bother with it).
My desire is not to influence you to think one way or another about anything; only to prompt you to think for yourself, to do so with courage and in spite of the fact that some others will hate you for it. That is living in the light. It is certainly not easy: The darkness of our own fear and ignorance is easier left unchallenged, but that is also to leave half our life unlived.
It is tempting to think we can offer advice or guidance which may somehow make your life easier or better – that is an illusion. I would love to be able to do so, and if I could I would, for every reader who bothers with these pages. Alas you must find your own way in a world which is different from mine. I cannot know your world, and so I cannot help you.
Perhaps my main purpose in writing is to express my thanks to those others who have helped me find my way: the reader of this note may have read some of the other material to which I have referred. If you are moved as I have been, rejoice with me and celebrate the gift these writers have brought us.
If these pages have helped you to draw some threads together for yourself, I am doubly rewarded.
These thoughts were collected when I wrote a series of letters to my children about issues which were too personal to be easily addressed in a direct face-to-face way without risk of embarrassment. It seemed better to write a letter which could be read and reviewed in private or simply ignored if that was preferred. Some older materials and some newer thoughts are added too, so there may be some duplication of ideas. I hope you don't find me contradicting myself.
The site offers some materials which I thought may be of interest to others. There is no pretence at significance or importance in any part of it, but I hope the whole may be found to provide encouragement to seek light in places where untruths and darkness abound.
The unattributed materials are all written by Peter Hoban – they are not copyright or protected in any way. If you can benefit from them I will feel honoured.
A biographical note – About the author
Original: August ‘99
This page is part of “Living in the Light”
found at: http://www.tassie.net.au/~phoban/
| Finding focus | Understanding motivation | Religion & faith | Sexuality | Families | Front page |