We are halfhearted creatures fooling about with drink and sex and ambition, when infinite joy is offered us, like an ignorant child who wants to go on making mudpies in a slum because he cannot imagine what is meant by the offer of a holiday at the sea. We are far too easily pleased. Grant what thou commandest and command what thou wilt. Such a moment can be more influential than months of T.V. and radio. Now let me illustrate the same principle from counseling.
Teachers often wonder if the hours spent talking with students about their problems are worth it.
But I have learned an amazing thing. Just one sentence. It may have determined their vocational choice or their choice of graduate schools. It may have caused them to break an engagement, or give up a habit. Usually I don't even recall saying what they remember.