The Personal Strengths of Optimism and Confidence - The Amazing Story of Ben Underwood

Ben Underwood lost his eyes as a small boy. But more than any other human being in the world, he has learned to "see" using sound - "echo location" - to function in the world as if he were a sighted person.

This is a story about the power of believing in possibilities that no one would have believed possible, because his mother gave him the insight and confidence to do so. I've shared his story in the past, but it's so amazing and inspiring that I'm including it here now...



Behold the power of the human brain.

Post by Dennis E. Coates, Ph.D., Copyright 2010. Building Personal Strength .

Helen Keller - Without Sight, She Gave Us Insight

Every time I think of Helen Keller, I'm amazed that someone so radically limited could have such a profound impact on the world. Before she was two years old, she lost her sight and hearing. She struggled against these infirmities all her life until she found ways to communicate. From the dozen books she wrote we receive her wisdom - she is one of the most quotable authors in history. My favorites...

On cooperation... 
"Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much."

On character development...  
“Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, vision cleared, ambition inspired, and success achieved." 

On passion...     
“All that we love deeply ... becomes a part of us.”

On excellence... 
“One can never consent to creep when one feels an impulse to soar.”

On optimism...   
“Keep your face to the sunshine and you cannot see the shadows.”