Just words...giving a hundred different views...a thousand ...but each one fully true when you stand a certain place and turn your head just so. Each thought sharply formed, a single facet of the larger gem, catching the light a new way. Anita, your talent is unique. You find words from such disparate sources and centuries, and somehow recognize when they belong together.
-- Charles Burke, author - www.sizzlingedge.com

Note from Anita Bergen: For curious and skeptical readers, as well as those searching for inspirational quotes, motivation, quick inspiration, words of inspiration, self motivation, daily inspiration or just an inspiring quote, I have included the entire preface for Life and Other Options.

The truth is that life is hard and dangerous;
that he who seeks his own happiness does not find it;
that he who is weak must suffer;
that he who demands love, will be disappointed;
that he who is greedy, will not be fed;
that he who seeks peace, will find strife;
that truth is only for the brave;
that joy is only for him who does not fear to be alone;
that life is only for the one who is not afraid to die.
-- Joyce Carey

Joyce Carey's expressive quote says it all: "The truth is that life is hard and dangerous."

That, I discovered, is the trouble with truth. Truth is elegant, simple, always eloquent and most times as exasperating as it is disturbing. Truth is as abundant as air and is everywhere around us. Yet, like air, it is taken for granted and often just as difficult to grasp. Even the most elegantly simple truth can be compared to a double-edged sword. It always presents major challenges.

The first challenge is in the search for truth itself. Most times the discovery of truth occurs "by accident." We're more likely to trip over it or stumble upon it than to find it as the result of deliberate search--more or less, a discovery "by accident." Today very few of us have the time or resources to set off on a deliberate quest to unearth the grail of truth. What we're really after is a fix for our current problem or dilemma.

Some say discovery "by accident" is a phenomenon that may be attributed to many causes, among them: synergy, luck, serendipity or just plain "being in the right place at the right time". Others believe that there are no accidents. The ancient injunction urges us to ask and you will receive; seek and you will find; knock and it will be opened unto you.

Through many dark, troubling hours of the soul I've felt great comfort after stumbling upon an inspiring reflection "by accident." There's tremendous consolation just knowing that others have survived and even conquered the same ordeal. By looking in the right place--perhaps, this book--we might encourage an "accidental discovery."

While discovering truth is important, being aware that the solution to our problem exists is only half the answer. The second and far more difficult challenge is in using our newly discovered truth as a tool for fixing the problem. Now we must put it to use--applying it to the problem so that the solution can occur.

It takes relatively few encounters with reality to turn a normally cheerful optimist into a cynical skeptic, wasting on the doorstep of despair. A new millennium, nevertheless, has dawned on an old world--a world of dualities. One world we inherit--complete with a legacy of conflict, insensitivity and greed. The other world will be a child of our own creation.

We long for a safe, nurturing environment--one where we can work toward reaching our potential, solving our problems and fulfilling our dreams. Yet our world has become so competitive, insensitive and commercial that we struggle to survive without being engulfed by anxiety, stress, deception, disappointment, loss and betrayal.

And that's just it. At the end of the day, even if we win the battle, we're still sick and tired of merely surviving and losing the war. Our soul aches to find the answers, to live life joyously, to soar free above the ordinary.

Of course, we haven't been singled out; our experience isn't unique. What we are feeling, the emotions we're struggling with and the difficulties we're wrestling to subdue have all been encountered before. Many experienced, knowledgeable seekers have also traveled this path. An old Chinese proverb states: "To know the road ahead, ask those coming back."

"That's precisely what I need to do;" you might reason, "to get some solutions from those who have been there. But where can I find these 'old souls'?"

In "Life and Other Options" I've put together a collection of inspiring, insightful reflections spoken by some of the greatest 'old souls' the world has ever known. These quotations have been gathered from the great spiritual teachers of all religious traditions, ancient and modern, both Eastern and Western. It also includes excerpts from playwrights, poets, authors, philosophers, psychologists, athletes, entertainers and heads of state, both past and present.

This book was designed to be used as your own, personal inspirational guidance tool. Keep it handy where you can reach it--open, if you like, on the coffee table, within arm's reach by your desk, or on your nightstand, if you prefer. At any time, just open it to any page and you are sure to find a meaningful, relevant message.

"Life and Other Options" was created to assist you in making your own discoveries "by accident."

It's not that discovering someone else's insight will automatically solve your problems. After all, we never cease meeting obstacles. If you use a map, however, you're better prepared to venture into unfamiliar territory. The burdens don't cease to appear; you learn to develop patience and stronger spiritual muscles so the burdens aren't nearly as heavy.

We don't need to re-invent the wheel. The best way to find the answers we seek is to observe another's experience, to wait in quiet expectation and listen for guidance.

There are times in some of our most difficult personal conflicts and tragedies when life seems to lose its meaning. We lose our way when we most need to hear the few inspiring words which would urge us on. Toward this end, perhaps, this anthology may serve its purpose of inspiration and renewal.

Working on this book has personally been a tremendously inspiring and rewarding experience, not only intellectually, but emotionally and spiritually, as well. It is my sincere hope that "Life and Other Options" will prove helpful in furnishing some light and insight on the enigma we experience as life.

For with all its unanswered questions, life still manages to offer an infinite number of options.

Our only job, the sages remind us, is to make choices.