Happiness in this World » Happiness

How To Be Great

Alex Lickerman — Sun, 04 Apr 2010 22:00:00 +0000

When I was a little boy—around six or so—I used some markers to draw a picture of a skyscraper-lined city street with cars rushing past (posted to the right). I showed it to my parents, who I vividly recall gushed with praise and awe as only parents do. I don’t remember her exact words, but [...]

The Importance Of Good Influences

Alex Lickerman — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 22:00:17 +0000

While I was growing up, my brothers (I’m the eldest of four boys—I know: my poor mother) often chided me for being so much like my father. I suppose it was inevitable that I would be; firstborn children tend to be rule followers (if you believe in the significance of birth order) and I fit [...]

The Danger Of Having Unrealistic Expectations

Alex Lickerman — Sun, 20 Dec 2009 22:55:11 +0000

My wife and I vividly remember the anesthesiologist’s statement: “You may feel a little pressure.” She spoke the word gently, as if to imply that’s how it would feel, and we believed her. Epidural blocks, she explained, don’t numb the sacral nerve roots that deliver sensation from the pelvic floor so my wife [...]

How World Peace Is Possible

Alex Lickerman — Sun, 06 Dec 2009 23:02:14 +0000

Photo: Jayel Aheram

When I was in grammar school learning about World War II, I remember thinking how grateful I was that society had finally matured to the point in the intervening years that war no longer ever broke out. Today I can hardly remember what bizarre thought process led me to conclude that [...]

Why No Job Can Ever Be Perfect

Alex Lickerman — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 00:43:53 +0000

Photo: totalAldo

I love what I do. Being a doctor challenges me every day to think critically and creatively, to learn new things, and to make the vast machine that is the American medical system run smoothly. The relationships I’ve formed provide me great power to do good: my patients trust me like no [...]