Measuring Progress

How does one measure progress? Or can anyone actually do it?

For the last year or so, I have been answering crossword puzzles of local newspapers, specifically sunstar and cebu daily news. The latter's is relatively easier than the former's. Quite seldom can I complete these puzzles but most of the times, I can answer at least 85% of it.

While I was answering one (local paper's) last weekend, one of my friends commented that puzzles of the kind I am answering are quite doable, unlike those of national newpapers (philippine star, the inquirer). I told him I share the same sympathy as I have tried to answer some of these puzzles a number of times before - during my high school and college years. And all I could do is give answers to 1 or 2 of the clues.

Later that day, I found a page of a national paper lying on the floor (I couldn't remember what paper it was). It had been used to wrap flowers bought from the city's (dirty) wet market (carbon). I cut the puzzle off the rest of the page. I did not have a pen or pencil so I placed it in my pocket and planned to answer it when I get home.

Much to my surprise, I answered more than 85% of it.

Does this qualify as a measure for progress?

Direct Hit

Perhaps we are attracted by the things of this life, and therefore choose to remove ourselves from God just far enough so that we can enjoy certain aspects of this world that we desire to.

(from http://www.daybyday.org)

Direct hit.

From Einstein

I watched recent episodes of the fourth volume of the series Heroes a couple of days ago. I picked up some of the conversation which they attribute to the great Einstein. It says something like:

The life of the individual has meaning only in so far as it aids in making the life of every living thing nobler and more beautiful

If only everyone thinks this way...