1) There is a lot of gray area between loving someone and trusting someone; best to steer clear of the gray...
2) There is a fine line between being honest and fair with others and being cruel and insensitive with others; its worth it to find that line...
3) The Russian words for cruelty and toughness are very similar. (жестокость / жёсткость )
4) Watching out for number one does not preclude watching out for my fellows; precious few are those who understand this...
5) Looking for the good and beautiful in everyone I meet is still a worthwhile way to live; perceiving the bad and the ugly in them is also very worthwhile; being able to see all of it and not judge them for it is hard...
6) Listening to those with whom I categorically disagree can be fun; trying to learn something from them is hard, but worth it...
8) When you speak a language more often than the one in which your character was formed, your character changes; be aware...
9) No matter what the conservative and moralists may say--moral and cultural relativism is a reality; it is impossible to understand and therefore judge others and other societies by your own personal and societal values; that said--some societies just don't get it...
10)It is nice--more than nice--to have people near you who have known you for many many years.
11) It is also nice--but not so nice--to live somewhere where no one knows who you are, where you came from, and why you are who you are...
12) It is easier to be kind in a society where kindness is valued and where that value is reflected in a society's history, art, business and government; where is that society?
13) Listening to Diana Ross and the Supremes (or anything Motown-ish) and letting the beat move you on the Moscow Metro can make tough and cruel Russians smile...
14) It is 100% true that everything depends on me; it is also true that everyday there are a million and one variables that are completely out of my control; the paradox has the power to paralyze a man; don't let it...
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