Are these statements connected?

"I do not believe in the creed professed by the Jewish Church, by the Roman Church, by the Greek Church, by the Turkish Church, by the Protestant Church, nor by any church that I know of. My own mind is my own church." - Thomas Paine

"There seem to be two kinds of searchers: those who seek to make their ego something other than it is, i.e. holy, happy, unselfish (as though you could make a fish unfish), and those who understand that all such attempts are just gesticulation and play-acting, that there is only one thing that can be done, which is to disidentify themselves with the ego, by realizing its unreality, and by becoming aware of their eternal identity with pure being." - Wei Wu Wei


I would argue that these two quotes are saying the same thing. Would you? I also agree with both. Paine and Wei seem to be on that journey to find a sane mind. I feel they are enlightened and truly understand the proper way to exist. We are always trying to satisfy this urge inside to be what we "should" be for our age or for our family or for our friends or co-workers. What "should" we be and who made this so? Why are we trying so hard to please? Why are we straining to make what happens outside of our bodies happy and pleasant at the expense of what goes on inside of them? We are the ones who have to live with the conditions and consequences of overwork, depression, anxiety etc.
How many people have made their own mind up about how they want to live and what they want to believe in? Society decided long ago what is important and what is beautiful. The rules and the norms were laid out long before we came. But, can we not change them and make our lives better? Can we decide what we feel is important to focus on by ourselves? Do we need religion, peers, family, TV, media, government, and our adversaries to tell us what we "should" be doing with our minds, our bodies, and our lives? I say no. Finding your own proper way to exist happily and to be fulfilled while focusing on what you deem to be as important is freeing and unrestricted. No one has ever come back with pictures from heaven or hell. This life is guaranteed. That's it. Don't stress, enjoy it now.

What is wise?

"In this world the wise one holds onto confidence and wisdom. Those are the greatest treasures; all other riches are pushed aside." - Buddha

Quote and Question

"A person's abilities are tested best when defending rather than attacking."

Takayuki Ikkaku, Arisa Hosaka and Toshihiro Kawabata, Animal Crossing: Wild World, 2005

Do you agree with this statement? What does this concept say and mean?

"The worst thing you can waste..."

A friend once told me that potential is the worst thing you can waste. Whether that was his original take or something someone told him it is a pretty solid statement. I believe potential to be the abilities and accomplishments a person can one day achieve. How do we know when someone has potential? Do we push them? Do we try to put them in situations that will lead them to master what they are good at? Should we let people figure it out for themselves and make decisions without encouraging them to try the things they showed great potential in? Is this our responsibility? Are there other traits, feelings or moments we should be trading our potential in for?

Meaning

Is it important to find meaning in this life? Should we observe and analyze the things we do and their outcomes? Should we be putting energy into the things we do because they have an affect on something greater? Do the things we cannot control have a purpose? What do you think? What do you believe in? Please share.

Israel

I saw many people having a spiritual experience and thinking about their beliefs and questions. I thought this was great especially if those affected become more observant. I think it would be good for them and the State of Israel. Israel is an extremely young country located in an ancient region. The founders of religion, society and civilization all have connections to the land that lies within this country's borders. As a Jew I was more touched, moved, and inspired by what I would call patriotism. I was most interested in those who led in the establishment of the country and the wars that are still being fought in its defense today. Like those whose ideas and ideals helped to shape the U. S. the leaders of the early Israeli governments were given a chance to change the world. The combination of forward thinking mixed with Jewish values has led to a place where rights, defense, education and a chance for a quality life for all is the goal. This place is amazing. High-tech, developed and well-planned. I see a group of people who are once again being given a chance to thrive as a nation. They finally have an opportunity to self-govern and develop a modern state based on their core beliefs. Look what has happened in such a short amount of time. So much has been accomplished even as the haters and evil doers continue to bring their nastiness. A spirit of struggle and survival seems to flow through Judaism whether if it is in the Torah or in the Times. The plot and characters always change. The settings and landscape have been many. But, the theme remains the same. The people Israel and forever the State of Israel will always exist.