Ian McDonald

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Articles by Ian McDonald

Avoiding a dreadful spirit of division

We have become depressingly used to the party political animosity that divides the nation and holds back united efforts to solve the multitude of problems which need our combined human resources.

Making sense of oneself

As I get older, I find I try to capture in memory more fully than ever the passing marvellousness of an ordinary day by writing down what happens in a journal.

Uncluttering one’s life

About to arrive at the age of 86, so suddenly after being born, I recognize very clearly that I am slowing to a jog, approaching a hobble.

A blessing for my mother

Perhaps my oldest memory—I must have been two or three—is of my mother hugging me at night when she put me into bed and holding the palms of my hands together while she said a simple prayer, which I soon learned by heart.

The value of time

My father was a gentle, calm, and wise man. “He never raised his voice except to give encouragement nor raised his hand except to greet a friend.”

We are not rational

We often wonder why those around us – very much including those in supreme authority – are making such a mess of things.

The birth that re-started history

So many Christmas poems from which to choose. E.U. Fanthrope’s lines:   “And this was the moment When a few farm workers and three Members of an obscure Persian sect   Walked haphazard by starlight straight Into the kingdom of heaven.”

Even in the worst of times

Even in the worst of times – and who can doubt that the times are pretty bad– reading comes to the rescue by revealing other worlds of experience where cruelty and mindlessness and man’s inhumanity to man do not continually have the upper hand.

In Canada

My wife and I have just returned from one of the great cities of the world. 

Ageing well

I apologise if this appears to take the form of a health and fitness page in this newspaper.

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