The Abc’S of Values: A Treasure of Thoughts for Living

By Naomi W. Zaslow

&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbs

p&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbspFrom men walking in breadlines, to men walking on

&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbs

p&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbspthe moon; from womens place being in the home, to

&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbs

p&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbspher place being CEO of corporations; from a struggle

&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbs

p&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbspto succeed in life, to the responsibilities it entails, The

&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbs

p&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbspABCs of Values deals with ideas and ideals that are

&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbs

p&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbspessential in living life.


&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbs

p&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbspThe transformation of society is inevitable, leading to

&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbs

p&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbspan older generations questioning the new. But some

ways of interacting with others, keeping reasonable and responsible standards,

is vital to living a good and fulfilled life in every generation.


The words chosen in The ABCs of Values and their short, insightful evaluation,

can encourage contemplation on how to be a better person and live a better

life. The book does not pass judgment on the present or glorify the past, but tries

to evaluate actions and attitudes that can improve an individual and society.


Words abound in todays society, on radio, television, telephone, on iPods and

are not necessarily significant. This book takes important or ordinary words

and explores their meaning and ways in which they can explain a difficulty, en-

courage action, or explore a positive component. Words have meaning, and what

they mean can help us lead a better life and be a better person.


Each word in the book is accompanied by a famous quotation. Each word is

aimed at encouraging the reader to enjoy a happy, successful, life of good humor,

good friends, good times, doing good things for yourself and those who share it

with you.


The ABCs of Values makes it clear that goodness is not always present, but a

good attempt at recognizing difficulties and dealing with them makes it possible

to live and enjoy a good life.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Jan 17, 2011
• ISBN: 9781452088556

Naomi W. Zaslow

Naomi W. Zaslow began her career as a successful child entertainer, and later received best actress honors as a scholarship student at Temple University. She became a radio and TV actress, newspaper reporter and columnist and was a founder and president of The Delaware County Press Club. As PR director for Marple Newtown School District in suburban Philadelphia she was a founder and president of the Pennsylvania School Public Relations Association, and vice president of The National School Public Relations Association. She won national honors for publications and for writing, directing and producing “General High School”, a soap opera with a message, that ran for ten years on cable television, culminating in an ACE award nomination.. Naomi recently published her heartfelt autobiography, “Memories of a Life Well Loved” and her historical drama, Forgotten First Ladies”, was performed for audiences in West Palm Beach, Florida. She was inducted into South Philadelphia High School's Cultural Hall of Fame and recently honored by Friends of Old Time Radio. Her commitment to community led to presidencies in synagogue-sisterhood, B'nai B'rith, and PTA. Love and happiness in family life Naomi considers her greatest accomplishment. She cherishes her marriage of over 60 years, and is grateful that her love led to raising and loving four children, thirteen grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren. This rich tableau of four generations inspired her to write “The ABC's of Values” Words have meaning, and Naomi wants to explain to others, especially young people, why their outlook, opinions, attitudes toward themselves and others, and trying and being their best, is so important. The ABC's of Values, written in short paragraphs, are explanatory, not judgmental. The ideas and ideals are meant to edify and encourage self confidence, self improvement and living well with and for others. The letter “L” is Naomi's favorite. To her, love is life's most important value.

Book preview

PREFACE

This collection of thoughts, ideas and values is dedicated to my children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and their peers.

The world we now share is less graceful and idealistic than the world I knew when growing up. The proverbs and platitudes by which we were encouraged to plan and conduct our lives were not just empty words They were ideas and strategies that gave us confidence, courage and hope. These ideas also helped us in our efforts to pattern our attitudes and conduct, toward personal dignity, fairness and understanding of ourselves and others.

Words mean things, and I want to share what certain words mean to me, and hopefully some of them will be of some interest and importance to you.

Naomi W. Zaslow

September, 2010

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

What I value most in life is love, understanding, appreciation and affection from family and friends. This book is also dedicated to those who by example, my parents, teachers, outstanding leaders, helped me live up to higher standards and enjoy life’s great adventure.

My son, Darrell M. Zaslow, Esq., whose life is filled with responsibility for his family, his faith and his profession, was my computer and copy manager. It was a difficult and time consuming task for someone already working on overload. My gratitude to him is boundless and endless.

To my husband Harry and son Jeffrey who encouraged me to undertake and complete a difficult task, to my daughter, Lisa, for her expert help and advice, and to my grandchildren for their support, thank you for your confidence and caring.

I hope that some of the thoughts found in the ABC’s of Values will be of some value to you and yours, somewhere, somehow in the future.

Naomi W. Zaslow

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Naomi W. Zaslow began her career as a successful child entertainer, and later received best actress honors as a scholarship student at Temple University. She became a radio and TV actress, newspaper reporter and columnist and was a founder and president of The Delaware County Press Club.

As PR director for Marple Newtown School District in suburban Philadelphia she was a founder and president of the Pennsylvania School Public Relations Association, and vice president of The National School Public Relations Association. She won national honors for publications and for writing, directing and producing General High School, a soap opera with a message, that ran for ten years on cable television, culminating in an ACE award nomination..

Naomi recently published her heartfelt autobiography, Memories of a Life Well Loved and her historical drama, Forgotten First Ladies", was performed for audiences in West Palm Beach, Florida. She was inducted into South Philadelphia High School’s Cultural Hall of Fame and recently honored by Friends of Old Time Radio. Her commitment to community led to presidencies in synagogue-sisterhood, B’nai B’rith, and PTA.

Love and happiness in family life Naomi considers her greatest accomplishment. She cherishes her marriage of over 60 years, and is grateful that her love led to raising and loving four children, thirteen grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren. This rich tableau of four generations inspired her to write The ABC’s of Values

Words have meaning, and Naomi wants to explain to others, especially young people, why their outlook, opinions, attitudes toward themselves and others, and trying and being their best, is so important.

The ABC’s of Values, written in short paragraphs, are explanatory, not judgmental. The ideas and ideals are meant to edify and encourage self confidence, self improvement and living well with and for others. The letter L is Naomi’s favorite. To her, love is life’s most important value.

ABOUT THE BOOK

From men walking in breadlines, to men walking on the moon; from women’s place being in the home, to her place being CEO of corporations; from a struggle to succeed in life, to the responsibilities it entails, The ABC’s of Values deals with ideas and ideals that are essential in living life.

The transformation of society is inevitable, leading to an older generation’s questioning the new. But some ways of interacting with others, keeping reasonable and responsible standards, is vital to living a good and fulfilled life in every generation.

The words chosen in The ABC’s of Values and their short, insightful evaluation, can encourage contemplation on how to be a better person and live a better life. The book does not pass judgment on the present or glorify the past, but tries to evaluate actions and attitudes that can improve an individual and society.

Words abound in today’s society, on radio, television, telephone, on iPods and cell phones. Technology triumphs in getting messages across, but the messages are not necessarily significant. This book takes important or ordinary words and explores their meaning and ways in which they can explain a difficulty, encourage action, or explore a positive component. Words have meaning, and what they mean can help us lead a better life and be a better person.

Each word in the book is accompanied by a famous quotation. Each word is aimed at encouraging the reader to enjoy a happy, successful, life of good humor, good friends, good times, doing good things for yourself and those who share it with you.

The ABC’s of Values makes it clear that goodness is not always present, but a good attempt at recognizing difficulties and dealing with them makes it possible to live and enjoy a good life.

Table of Contents

PREFACE

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

ABOUT THE BOOK

A

ABUNDANCE

ACADEMICS

ACCEPTANCE

ACCLAIM

ACCOMPLISHMENT

ACCULTURATION

ACHIEVEMENT

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

ACTIVITY

ADVERSITY

AFFECTION

AGGRESSION

AGING

ALTERNATIVES

AMBITION

AMERICA

AMORAL

ANALYZE

ANARCHY

ANIMAL WORLD

ANOREXIA

ANTICIPATION

ANTIESTABLISHMENTARIANISM

ANTI-SEMITISM

APPRECIATION

ARGUMENTS

ARROGANCE

ART

ATTENTION

B

BABIES

BACKSTAGE

BAD-MOUTH

BAKING

BALANCE

BAND-STAND

BEAUTY

BITTERNESS

BODY IMAGE

BOOKS

BORROWING

BRAVERY

BREVITY

BROADWAY

BUSINESS

C

CARING

CARNAGE

CELEBRATION

CHILDHOOD

CLOTHES

CLOUDS

COMPASSION

CONCEIT

CONFIDENCE

CONFORMITY

CONNECTING

CONSIDERATION

CONTENTMENT

COURAGE

CR WORDS

CRUDE

CURSE

D

DANCING

DAYDREAMING

DEATH

DEPRESSION

DEVOTION

DISCIPLINE

DISCONTENT

DIVORCE

DRAMA

DREAM

E

ECCENTRICITY

EGO

EMBROIDERY

ENERGY

ENTERTAINMENT

ETHICS OF THE FATHERS

EXPECTATIONS

EXPEDITIOUS

F

FAMILY

FEAR

FLOWERS

FRIENDSHIP

G

GENEROSITY

GENTRY

GOSSIP

GRACE

GRATEFUL

H

HAPPINESS

HOME

HONOR

HOPE

HOSPITALITY

HUBRIS

HUMILITY

HUMOR

I

INDIFFERENCE

INGENUITY

INTEGRITY

INTELLECT

J

JEALOUSY

JEWS

JOURNALISM

K

KEYSTONE

KILLING

KINDNESS

KNOWLEDGE

L

LAZINESS

LEGACY

LIFE

LOYALTY

LOVE

LYING

M

MAGNETS

MARRIAGE

MEDIOCRE

MONEY

MOVIES

MUSIC

N

NARCISM

NECESSITIES

O

ORDER

ORDINARY

ORNAMENTS

OVERBURDEN

P

PATIENCE

PATRIOTISM

PERFECTION

POETRY

POLITENESS

POLITICS

POPULARITY

POSSESSIVE

PRAISE

PRIDE

Q

QUALITY

QUANDRY

R

RACE

REFINEMENT

REFLECTIONS

REJECTION

RELIABILITY

RESENTMENT

RESILIENCE

S

SATIRE

SAVING

SEGREGATION

SELF ABSORPTION

SELFISHNESS

SEX

SHABBY

SILENCE

SLANDER

SLEEP

SMILE

SOUL

STRESS

SYCOPHANT

SYMPATHY

T

TALENT

TENACIOUS

THEATRE

THOUGHTFULNESS

TRANQUILITY

TREASURES

TRUTH

U

UNCTUOUS

UNDERMINE

UPRIGHT

V

VALUES

VOWS

W

WAR

WASTE

WEALTH

WISDOM

WOMAN

WORDS

WORK

WORSHIP

WRITING

X

XENOPHOBIA

Y

YESTERDAY

YIDDISH

YOUTH

Z

ZEALOT

ZEST

EPILOGUE

NOTES

A

ABUNDANCE

Abundance is a great and plentiful amount. You feel lucky to have an abundance of toys, an abundance of nice clothes in your closet, an abundance of candy and cookies, or an abundance of good times at the movies or at amusement parks.

"A great fortune is a

great servitude"

Seneca

But, an over abundance...too many toys, clothes, cookies or good times... makes you appreciate things less, not more.

I grew up at a time when my most prized possessions were one doll and two hard-cover books. That was a lack of abundance, but a great deal of appreciation.

Most of us really have more than we need, and we must resist the temptation to get more, just because we can. What we should seek, whatever our age, is an abundance of good character traits that will help us to become better people.

ACADEMICS

Academics are usually referred to as school studies of a liberal or classical nature, not vocational or technical. Academics are scholarly and formal. Who among us has not wrestled with the difficulty of some aspect of our academic training? But, who among us has not grown from the experience?

From my earliest recollection, until today, when I am in a formal learning situation, an academic atmosphere, I get a thrill of exhilaration, knowing that someone will be teaching me something I might never have known or experienced.

I suppose it’s a love of learning, but I don’t mean it to sound smug or superior. It is always amazing to me that we, as human beings, have the power to know more and to understand more, if we try.

"Learning makes a man fit

company for himself"

Young

Some of the academics we face are not easy to assimilate or understand. Some academics may be beyond our ability to master or to comprehend at a given time. But, the process of trying to learn, trying to grasp, and often gaining an understanding, is a wonder in itself.

The more we process, the more we learn, the more we have the capacity to learn and to gain knowledge. We can continue to learn as long as we live. We can experience more than we knew before. Or, if we are not wise, we can shut down early, and not wrestle with academic rigors.

I would recommend the pursuit of information, understanding, skills and training at every stage of life. Academics are a way of disciplining our minds and expanding our abilities. We can then apply ourselves in many other areas of life, in addition to academics.

I admire scholarship and education beyond almost anything in life, except using our abilities whatever they are, and in being a good person.

ACCEPTANCE

Acceptance is not an idea that is easily absorbed when we are young. When all of your life lies ahead of you, there is a powerful and exhilarating feeling that you can and will change things, and that you need not accept things as they are. That is the vigor, the wonder, and the blessing of youth. Often that pervasive feeling of strength and power results in spectacular change. But, even the young must deal with acceptance in a variety of ways.

"Cheerfulness is health; its opposite,

melancholy, is disease"

Haliburton

Most difficult for some of us is to accept ourselves. Physically, would we rather have a different color hair or eyes, be taller or shorter? Mentally, would we like to be more talented or smarter? Emotionally would we like to be more courageous or more cautious? Some things we can modify, and some things we must accept. To accept what we cannot change is not only wise, it frees up our energies for the things we can change. As we grow older, we are better able to accept what we cannot change and to know the difference.

"Peace is rarely denied

to the peaceful"

Schiller

In addition to accepting ourselves, we must also learn to accept others.. No one will have the attributes, character or personality traits that to us spell perfection. Neither do we. No one can fill all of our needs, all of the time, in all of the ways that would help us and please us. But, those people in our lives who make the effort, and who have our best interests at heart, should be accepted and appreciated, even if their efforts sometimes fall short.

We must also accept life. There are variables, and unfathomable mysteries in life. Sometimes they auger well for our benefit and our future. Sometimes they bring illness or sadness. Good people have bad luck, bad people have good luck. It takes time, patience and understanding to accept life’s imponderables.

Life is not always fair, it is not always fun...but it is always a glorious challenge. We are fortunate to have been brought from the void of the universe to this time and this place. Life offers joys and pleasures, love and happiness. We must strive with all of our energies and talents to make the most of the brief and beautiful moments with which we are blessed.

ACCLAIM

Acclaim is enthusiastic public approval, and it is probably a vanity. It is a vanity to which I’m afraid I have often succumbed. As a child entertainer and prodigy, acclaim, along with head-patting and cheek-pinching, was part of the package.

"The shortest way to glory is to

be guided by conscience"

Home

It seems I always became involved in situations that brought attention, comment and some form of acclaim. I wish it had not been a great a source of pride, but it was. I can only hope that any good things I was able to accomplish were of greater significance than the satisfaction that public approval provided.

We all need to have our efforts and accomplishments recognized and reinforced.

Acclaim may be a vanity, but hopefully the good works that it reflects are also part of the reward for yourself and for others.

ACCOMPLISHMENT

To accomplish is to succeed in doing something. Accomplishment brings with it a pride in ourselves, and a feeling that we are capable and worthwhile. Whatever the task: completing a school assignment, straightening your room, helping with a household chore, performing in a show, playing in a game...all need effort to be accomplished.

The energy and focus we give to menial tasks can help us when the requirements are more important or more glamorous. If we are involved in a project, large or small, important or trivial, we need to factor in the significance of accomplishment.

"That nation is proudest and noblest

and most exalted which has the greatest

number of really good men"

Sinclair Lewis

Doing things well, or doing things half-way or poorly, becomes a habit. Striving to accomplish each task successfully, and to the best of our ability, becomes an invigorating way of life.

ACCULTURATION

Acculturation has two meanings, and each seems to be at odds with the other.

"What is a communist? One who has yearnings

for equal division of unequal gains"

Ebenezer Elliot

First, acculturation is the modifying of an individual or group by contact with a different culture.

Second, acculturation is the process by which the culture of a society is instilled in a human being from infancy.

I know I’m biased, but I feel that acculturation for Jews should begin in infancy and continue throughout life. Our ancestors had an inordinately tragic past in order to keep their religion, their culture, and their identity. While I truly respect every culture in the world, I want to be sure that my children’s children and