From the richness of philosophies and religions, this book presents the spiritual timber from which to construct a life of compassion and justice. The aphorisms present material from which a home can be constructed, one with air and light, shutters thrown open and doors ajar. It is a home of shelter, protection and warmth, love and happiness. Here are some thoughts to help build such a life: · Generosity of spirit creates a life worth living. · Never promote yourself at another's expense. · A thoughtful person thinks for herself; a thoughtless person thinks only of herself. · Allow each person the dignity of his or her own labor. · Wealth justly gained is honorable; wealth unjustly gained is dishonorable; wealth kept for one's self is shameful. · Owning things isn't bad; being owned by things is bad. · Goodness is a gift from those who went before.