下载掌阅APP，畅读海量书库
立即打开
美文赏析
Poor or Rich
One day a rich father took his young son on a trip to the country with the firm purpose to show him how poor people can be. They spent a day and night in the farm of a very poor family.When they got back from their trip the father asked his son，“How was the trip?”
“Very good, Dad！”
“Did you see how poor people can be?”the father asked.
“Yeah！”
“And what did you learn?”
The son answered，“I saw that we have a dog at home, and they have four. We have a pool that reaches to the middle of the garden；they have a creek that has no end.We have imported lamps in the garden；they have the stars.Our patio reaches to the front yard；they have a whole horizon.”
When the little boy was finishing, his father was speechless.
His son added，“Thanks, dad, for showing me how poor we are！”
Isn't it true that it all depends on the way you look at things?If you have love, friends, family, health, good humor and a positive attitude toward life, you've got everything！
词汇详解
1．spend[spend]n.预算；花销 v.花费；浪费；度过；用尽（气力等）
典型例句 Obviously, we don’t want to spend too much money.
很明显，我们不想花太多的钱。
最常用法 spend money/time on sth.在某方面花多少钱/时间
spend money/time（in）doing sth.在做某事方面花多少钱/时间
联想记忆 take v.拿；取；花费
cost n.费用；成本；代价 v.花费
pay v.支付 n.薪资
2．reach[riːtʃ]v.到达；伸出；达成 n.范围；影响力
典型例句 They didn’t reach the border until after dark.
他们天黑以后才到达边境。
最常用法 reach an agreement 达成一项协议
reach for 伸手取，想得到
联想记忆 arrive vi.到达；到来
3．add[æd]v.加；增加；补充说
典型例句 If the tea is too strong, add some hot water to it.
如果茶太浓，加点开水。
最常用法 add to 增加
add up to 总计
add……to……往……里添……
联想记忆 addition n.增加；加法；附加物
additional adj.附加的；额外的
increase v.增加；增强；提高
4．depend[dɪˈpend]vi.依赖；依靠；取决于
典型例句 You can depend on him to make a right choice.
你可以依靠他作出正确的选择。
最常用法 That depends/It all depends.得看情况
depend on/upon 依赖；依靠
depend on（upon）sb. to do sth.依靠某人做某事
联想记忆 dependent adj.依靠的；依赖的
rely vi.依靠；信任
参考阅读
贫富的真意
一天，一位富有的父亲带着他的小儿子去乡下旅行，打算让他见识一下穷人的生活。他们在一户非常贫穷人家的农场里住了一天一夜。旅行回来之后，父亲问儿子：“你觉得这次旅行怎么样？”
“棒极了，爸爸！”
“你看到穷人的生活了吗？”父亲问道。
“是的！”“那你从中学到了什么呢？”
儿子回答道：“我看到我们家只有一只狗，而他们家有四只。我们的游泳池一直延伸到花园中间，而他们的小溪没有尽头。我们在花园里装了进口灯具，而他们有满天星斗。我们的天井接着前院，而他们拥有整个地平线。”
当小男孩说完的时候，他的父亲目瞪口呆。
他的儿子接着又补充道：“谢谢爸爸让我看到我们是多么贫穷！”
贫富的真意完全取决于你看待事物的角度，难道不是吗？如果你拥有爱人、朋友、家庭、健康、幽默感和对生活的积极态度，你就拥有了一切！
读书笔记___________________________________________
美文赏析
Three Fish Brothers in Shallow Water
Three fish lived in the sea. When they were young, their parents died.They had to look after each other.Finally, they grew up and to swim deeper and further.
One morning, the three fish were taken to shallow water by a big wave. A small boat was taken there, too.It was hard for the fish to go back to the sea because the boat was right in front of them.The largest fish realized that they were in danger, and said they had to find a way to leave there as fast as possible.The second largest fish agreed with his elder brother, but the youngest one did not.He said that there was much water for their activities, so he would not at all and still swam around happily.
At last, the largest fish returned to the sea by jumping over the lowest part of the boat. The second largest fish also succeeded in joining his elder brother in the other side of water.But the youngest one didn't follow them and still swam joyfully.
Two hours later, when the sun rose up, the water in the small shallow corner dried up. The fish who did not try to return to the sea died of lack of water.
词汇详解
1．young[jʌŋ]adj.年轻的；没有经验的 n.青年人
典型例句 Cities have a powerful effect on young people.
城市对青年人有着强大的吸引力。
联想记忆 youth n.青年时期；青春；青年
youthful adj.年轻的；有青春活力的；年轻人的
old adj.老的；过去的；旧的
2．die[daɪ]v.死；枯竭；消失；渴望
典型例句 The boss never cared whether a worker should live or die.
老板从来不顾工人死活。
最常用法 die a……death 死得……
die old 寿终
die away 渐渐消失
die off 相继死去
die out 灭绝
die from 因……而死
die of 因……而死
die for 极想得到
联想记忆 death n.死；死亡；毁灭；死因
dead adj.死的；不起作用的 adv.完全地
deadly adj.致命的；如死一样的 adv.非常地；如死一般
grow v.增加；生长；变成；种植；逐渐开始
3．danger[ˈdeɪndʒə（r）]n.危险
典型例句 Children’s lives are in danger every time they cross this road.
孩子们每次过这条马路都面临着生命危险。
最常用法 in danger 处在危险中
out of danger 脱险
联想记忆 dangerous adj.危险的；不安全的
endanger v.危及；危害
safety n.安全；保险
4．elder[ˈeldə（r）]adj.年龄较大的；年长的 n.长者；长辈
典型例句 We have been told to show respect for our elder.
我们被教导必须尊敬长辈。
最常用法 elder brother 哥哥
联想记忆 older adj.年长的
old adj.老的；过去的；旧的，破旧的；……岁的 n.旧时
younger adj.较年轻的 n.少年；儿童
senior adj.年长的 n.年长者；长辈
junior adj.年少的 n.晚辈
参考阅读
浅水里的鱼兄弟
有三条鱼生活在大海里。在他们小的时候，他们的父母就死去了。他们不得不互相照顾。最终他们长大了并可以游得更深更远了。
一天早上，三条鱼被巨浪冲到一片浅水湾里。一条小船也搁浅在那儿。因为那条船正好堵住了去路，他们很难回到大海。最大的那条鱼意识到他们的危险，说他们必须要尽快找到一条路离开那里。第二大的那条鱼也同意他哥哥的意见，但最小的一条没有同意。他说那里有许多水供他们的活动，所以他根本不担心，还是在那里快乐地游来游去。
最后，最大的那条鱼从船的最低处跃过，回到了大海。第二大鱼也成功地到了他哥哥那边。但最小的那条鱼没有跟着他们，依然在那里优哉游哉地游着。
两小时后，太阳升起来，浅水湾里的水干涸了。那条没有回到大海的鱼儿因缺水而死掉了。
读书笔记___________________________________________
美文赏析
Daughter and Daughter-in-law
Two women were chatting in a room.
One asked，“How is everything going with your son?”
“Oh, don't even mention it！What a huge misfortune！”The woman sighed，“He is poor enough, and married an extraordinary lazy daughter-in-law. She doesn't cook, doesn't clean the room, or even doesn't look after her own children except to sleep all the time.It was my son who brings breakfast to her bed……How about your daughter?”
“She might be lucky.”the woman smiled.
“She married a good husband who doesn't allow her to do any housework, and handles everything alone. The housework includes cooking, washing, cleaning and looking after the children.What’s more, he brings breakfast to my daughter every day.”
Facing the same situation, when we look from our own viewpoint, we will draw our personal conclusion；while Standing at others’position, we may have a different sense.
词汇详解
1．what[wɒt]pron.什么 adv.多么
典型例句 You don’t understand what a difficult position I’m in.
你不会明白我的处境多么困难。
最常用法 what’s up 怎么了
what's more 而且；另外
联想记忆 whatever pron.无论什么；任何事物 adj.不管怎样的；所
有的
how adv.怎样；多么 conj.如何；以……方式
2．marry[ˈmæri]v.娶；结婚；嫁；结合
典型例句 It is very unwise for the girl to marry him.
这女孩嫁给他是很不明智的。
最常用法 marry sb.嫁给某人
marry sb. to someone 把某人嫁给某人
be married（to sb.）与……结婚
get married（to sb.）与……结婚
联想记忆 marriage n.结婚；婚姻；紧密结合
wedding n.婚礼；结合
3．cook[kʊk]n.厨师 v.烹调；烧煮
典型例句 I found it a great trouble to cook by myself.
我发现自己做饭是一件很苦恼的事。
联想记忆 cooker n.炊具
cooked adj.煮好的；烹调好的
4．except[ɪkˈsept]prep.除了……之外
典型例句 We work every day except Sunday.
我们除星期天外每天都工作。
最常用法 except for 除……之外
except that 除了……之外
联想记忆 exception n.例外；不合规则
besides prep.除……之外
but conj. prep.除……以外
参考阅读
女儿和媳妇
两个妇人在聊天。
其中一个问道：“你儿子还好吧？”
“别提了，真是不幸哦！”这个妇人叹息道，“他实在够可怜，娶个媳妇懒得要命，不烧饭、不扫地、不洗衣服，甚至连她自己的孩子都不带，整天就是睡觉，我儿子还要端早餐到她的床上呢……你那女儿呢？”
“那她可就好命了。”妇人满脸笑容。
“她嫁了一个不错的丈夫，不让她做事，所有家务活都由先生独自负责，煮饭、洗衣、扫地、带孩子，而且每天早上还端早点到床上给她吃呢！”
面对相同的状况，当我们只从自己的角度去看时，只会得出自己的结论；但是当站在别人的立场上看时，很多事情就不一样了。
读书笔记___________________________________________
美文赏析
Life Is Like a Cafeteria
A friend's grandfather came to America from Eastern Europe. After settling down at Ellis Island, he went into a cafeteria in lower Manhattan to get something to eat.He sat down at an empty table and waited for someone to take his order.
Of course nobody did. Finally, a woman with a tray full of food sat down opposite him and informed him how a cafeteria worked.
“Start out at that end，”she said.“Just go along the line and pick out what you want. At the other end they'll tell you how much you have to pay.”
“I soon learned that's how everything works in America，”the grandfather told a friend.
“Life's a cafeteria here. You can get anything you want as long as you are willing to pay the price.You can even get success.But you'll never get it if you wait for someone to bring it to you.You have to get up and get it yourself.”
In fact, life everywhere is like a cafeteria. Don't wait for things to happen to you.Success lies in your own hands.
词汇详解
1．order[ˈɔːdə（r）]n.顺序；订单；命令 v.命令；定购；预定
典型例句 He gave his order to the waiter.
他把他点的东西告诉服务员了。
最常用法 place an order 订购
in order to 为了
in order that 为了；以便
out of order 无次序的；混乱的；有毛病的；出故障的
in good order 整齐；情况良好
order sb. to do sth.命令某人做某事
order sb. sth.给某人订购某物
联想记忆 rule n.规则；条例
control n.掌控；控制 v.控制；支配
book v.预订
2．full[fʊl]adj.满的；充满的；完全的
典型例句 She got full marks in the exam.她考试得了满分。
最常用法 be full of 充满
联想记忆 fill vt.装满；填充
empty adj.空的；空洞的
3．start[stɑːt]v.开始；出发 n.开始
典型例句 He knew from the start the idea was hopeless.
一开始他就知道这主意行不通。
最常用法 start sth.着手做事
start to do sth.
start doing
start for 动身去
start off 出发
联想记忆 begin v.开始；着手
stop v.停止；阻止
4．end[end]n.结束；末端 v.终止，结束
典型例句 I answered the phone but there was no one at the other end.
我接了电话，但电话那头没有人。
最常用法 at the end of 在……的末尾
in the end 最后；结果
by the end of 到……为止
make ends meet 使收支相抵
win one's end 达到目的
end up 结束
end（up）with 以……结束
联想记忆 beginning n.开始
finish v.完成；结束
stop v.停止；阻止
参考阅读
生活就像自助餐
一个朋友的祖父从东欧到美国来。在埃利斯岛安顿下来后。他去下曼哈顿的一家自助餐厅吃饭。他在一张空桌子边坐下，等待侍者拿来菜单。
当然没有人来招呼他。最后，一位女士拿着满满一托盘食物走过来坐在他对面并告诉他自助餐厅怎样进餐的。
她说：“出去排队等，到你的时候点你想要的东西，在另一头服务生会告诉你该付多少钱。”
祖父对一个朋友说：“接着我很快了解到这就是美国人的工作 方式。”
“生活就像自助餐。你可以去要你想要的任何东西，只要你能付得起他们的价格。你也可以想要成功。但是如果你什么都不做等着别人能把它送到你身边的话是永远都不可能得到的。你必须主动出击，自己去追求它。”
事实上，任何地方的生活都像一个自助餐厅。你不要等待事情自动发生在你身上。成功掌握在你自己的手中。
美文赏析
A Boy and Nails
There once was a little boy who had a bad temper.His father gave him a bag of nails and told him that every time he lost his temper, he must hammer a nail into the back of the fence.
The boy drove 37 nails into the fence on the first day. Over the next few weeks, as he learned to control his anger, the number of nails hammered gradually decreased.He discovered it was easier to hold his temper than to drive those nails to the fence.
Finally the day came when the boy didn't lose his temper at all. He told his father about it and the father suggested that the boy pull out one nail for each day that he was able to hold his temper.
The days passed by and the boy was finally able to tell his father that all the nails were gone.
The father took his son by the hand and led him to the hence.
He said，“You have done well, my son, but look at the holes in the hence. The hence will never the same.When you say something in anger, it leaves a scar just like this one.You can put a knife in a man and draw it out, but it won't matter how many things you say I’m sorry.The wound is still there.”
词汇详解
1．once[wʌns]adv.一次；曾经 conj.一旦 n.一次
典型例句 She had not once spoken to him all the evening.
整整一晚上，她都没有跟他讲过一次话。
最常用法 at once 立刻
once more 再一次
all at once 突然
once or twice 一两次
once again 再一次
once in a while 偶尔
Once bitten, twice shy.一朝被蛇咬，十年怕井绳。
2．drive[draɪv]vt.开车；驱赶；迫使 n.驾车；驱使
典型例句 He drove her directly to her hotel.
他驾车直接把她送到了她下榻的旅馆。
最常用法 drive a car 开车
drive sb. to……驾车送某人到……
drive sb.
drive sb. to do sth.驱动某人做某事
联想记忆 driver n.驾驶员；司机；驱动器
3．discover[dɪˈskʌvə（r）]v.发现；偶然撞见；发觉
典型例句 The fact is that he did not discover it.
事实是他没有发现它。
联想记忆 discovery n.发现；发现物
find v.发现
4．suggest[səˈdʒest]vt.建议；暗示；表明
典型例句 I suggested going for a walk.我建议去散步。
最常用法 suggest doing sth.建议做某事
联想记忆 suggestion n.建议
advise vt.劝告；通知；忠告；建议 vi.提建议
参考阅读
男孩和钉子
从前，有个小男孩儿，脾气很坏。他的父亲给了他一包钉子，并告诉他每次发脾气时，就用锤子把一根钉子钉在篱笆上。
第一天，男孩儿钉了37根钉子。接下来的几个星期，他学会了控制自己的脾气，每天钉的钉子数目逐渐减少了。他发现，控制脾气要比钉钉子容易些。
终于有一天，男孩再也不乱发脾气了。他把这件事告诉了父亲。父亲建议他从现在起，如果能够一天不发脾气，就拔出一根钉子。
时间一天天过去了，男孩终于告诉父亲所有的钉子都拔光了。
父亲拉着男孩的手，把他带到篱笆前。
父亲说道：“你做得很好，我的孩子，但你看看篱笆上的那些洞，篱笆永远不会再和以前一样了。当你说气话时，就会给人留下伤痕，就像这些洞一样。用刀子伤一个人，再把它拔出来，无论你说多少次对不起也没有用，伤口仍然在那儿。”
读书笔记___________________________________________
美文赏析
Don't Lower Your Standards
Suppose a child comes home with a report card with five As and one B. Usually the first thing his parents will say is“Why the B?”What do you think will go through the child's mind?Did he try for the B?Or should his parents congratulate the child for the B and accept a lower standard?Not at all.
What the child is really looking for is acknowledgement and encouragement for the effort in getting the five As. A parent after acknowledging and praising the As, can make clear his expectations of seeing all six As and offer help if needed.If we lower our standards, the chances are pretty good that the performance next time would drop to those expectations.
Similarly at work, an employee does 100 things right and one thing wrong. Guess what the boss picks on.
Acknowledge the positive but don’t lower your standards.
词汇详解
1．low[ləʊ]adj.低的；少的；卑劣的 adv.低地
典型例句 His low family background couldn’t hinder his success.
他卑微的出身并不能阻挡他的成功。
联想记忆 lowly adv.位置低下地；低声地；谦逊地
lower adj.低的；下层的 v.降低；减弱
high adj.高的；高尚的 adv.高；奢侈地
2．report[rɪˈpɔːt]n.报告 v.报告；报导
典型例句 He is reading a report of the state of the roads.
他正在看一篇关于道路状况的报告。
联想记忆 reporter n.记者
3．praise[preɪz]v.赞美；称赞 n.赞美；称赞；崇拜
典型例句 His teachers are full of praise for the progress he’s making.
老师们对他的进步赞不绝口。
最常用法 in praise of 赞扬
sing sb's/sth's praises 盛赞
sing high praise for 高度评价
4．similar[ˈsɪmələ（r）]adj.类似的
典型例句 He talked about it in a similar way.他对此事有相似的说法。
最常用法 be similar to 与……相似
be similar in 在……方面相似
联想记忆 similarity n.相似；类似
alike adj.相似的
different adj.不同的
参考阅读
不要降低自己的标准
假如一个孩子带回家一张五个A，一个B的成绩单，他的父母亲首先通常会这样问：“为什么得了个B？”你认为孩子心里会怎么想？难道他是争取得个B吗？或者父母亲应该祝贺孩子得了个B，并接受这较低的标准吗？根本不是。
孩子真正盼望的是，他因努力而获得的五个A能得到承认和鼓励。父亲或母亲可以在承认和赞扬这些A之后，表明想要看到六个A的愿望，并表示如果需要，可以提供帮助。如果我们降低自己的标准，那么下一次的成绩很可能低于那些期望。
同样，在工作上，一个雇员做了100件正确事而做了一件错事，猜猜老板会挑出哪件事。
承认积极面，但不要降低自己的标准。
美文赏析
It Makes a Difference
One morning a young man was wandering along the beach when he saw a boy far away picking up something and very gently throwing it into the sea. He quickly paced towards him, surprised to find that the boy was picking up the starfishes which were washed ashore by the tide and throwing them back into the sea.
“Excuse me, why are you throwing the starfishes back into the sea?”He asked.
The boy replied，“Sir, you see the sun will soon rise and the tide will flow away.”
“But don't you think it is a waste of your time as there are miles and miles of beach and numerous starfishes still lying along it?Surely you can’t keep this act all day long.You can’t possibly make a difference！”
The child ignored the young man's remark. Then he picked another starfish and threw it into the sea, and said，“It makes a difference for that one.Would you like to join me?It would make a difference.”
There is something very special in each and every one of us. We have all been given the ability to make a difference to shape the future.We must each find our own starfish.And if we throw our starfish wisely and well, the world will be better.
词汇详解
1．rise[raɪz]vi.上升；增加；起床 n.上升；增加
典型例句 The higher we rise, the smaller we appear to those who do not know how to fly.
我们上升得越高，我们在那些不懂飞翔的人眼里就显得越小。
最常用法 the rise of sun 日出
rise up 起身，起床
rise to one's feet 站起来
联想记忆 arise vi.出现；升起；上升；发生；起来
raise vt.升起；举起
2．difference[ˈdɪfrəns]n.差异
典型例句 There’s an age difference of six years between them.
他们之间相差六岁。
最常用法 differences between A and B A和B的区别
make a difference 有影响，有关系
make a difference to 对……产生影响
联想记忆 indifference n.不重视，不在乎；中立；冷淡；无差
different adj.不同的；差异的
differently adv.不同地
similarity n.相似；类似
3．join[dʒɔɪn]v.连接；加入；参与；和……一起
典型例句 They danced and danced until a lot of us joined in.
他们不停地跳着舞，直到我们中间的许多人都加入了进去。
最常用法 join a club 加入一个俱乐部
join sb. in doing sth.与某人一起干某事
联想记忆 join in 参加；加入
take part in 参加
attend v.出席；参加
4．special[ˈspeʃl]adj.特别的；特殊的；专门的
典型例句 We have a special offer for our regular customers.
我们给予老顾客特别的优惠。
最常用法 special case 特殊情况
be special to 对……特别的
联想记忆 specially adv.特别地；专门地；尤其
especial adj.特别的；特殊的；特有的
particular adj.特定的
common adj.常见的；普通的
normal adj.正常的
ordinary adj.平凡的；普通的
usual adj.通常的；惯常的
参考阅读
这起作用
一天，一个年轻人正沿着海滩散步的时候，远远看见一个小男孩正拾起些什么，然后轻轻地把它扔到海里。他快速地朝小男孩走去。他惊奇地发现，他在捡被潮水冲上岸来的海星，然后把它们扔回大海。
“打扰一下，你为什么要把海星扔回大海呢？”他问。
男孩回答道：“先生，你看太阳就要升起来了，海水也将退去。”
“但是你不觉得这是在浪费时间吗？这里有绵延数英里的海滩，无数的海星躺那里。你肯定不能这样做一整天吧。你不可能让这起作用的。”
男孩没有理会他。然后他把另一只海星扔到海里，说：“对这只海星来说就起了作用。”
“你想加入我这里来吗？这很有意义。”
我们每一个人身上都有某种特别的东西。我们都被赋予了这种能力来发挥作用，塑造未来。我们大家都必须找到我们自己的海星。如果我们能明智又很好地扔出我们的海星，这个世界将会变得更加 美好。
美文赏析
The Value of Time
To realize the value of one year, ask a student who has failed his final exam.
To realize the value of one month, ask a mother who has given birth to a premature baby.
To realize the value of one week, ask an editor of a weekly newspaper.
To realize the value of one day, ask a daily wage laborer who has ten kids to feed.
To realize the value of one hour, ask the lovers who are waiting to meet.
To realize the value of one minute, ask a person who has missed the train.
To realize the value of one second, ask a person who has survived an accident.
To realize the value of one millisecond, ask the person who has won a silver medal in Olympics.
Treasure every moment that you have！Yesterday is history. Tomorrow is mystery.
Today is a gift.That’s why it’s called“the present”.
词汇详解
1．final[ˈfaɪnl]adj.最终的；最后的 n.决赛
典型例句 We are all satisfied with the final result.
我们都对最终的结果感到满意。
最常用法 final examination 期末考试
at/in the finals 在决赛中
take finals 参加期末考试
联想记忆 finally adv.最后
last adj.末尾的；最后的
2．second[ˈsekənd]num.第二 n.片刻；秒
典型例句 It travels thousands of miles per second.
它一秒钟能走几千英里。
联想记忆 secondly adv.第二；其次
secondary adj.次要的
最常用法 second hand n.中间人；助手；旧货 n.秒针
second to none 最好的
every second day 隔一天，隔日
following adj.接着的
3．win[wɪn]v.赢；赢得；获得 n.胜利
典型例句 He is expected to win the game with ease.
预计他在比赛中会轻易获胜。
最常用法 win sb.sth.为某人赢得某物
win back 重新获得
win a prize 得奖
win the match 赢得比赛
联想记忆 winner n.获胜者
achieve v.完成；达到；实现
acquire vt.获得
gain n. v.获得
beat v.打败
defeat vt.战胜；击败
4．gift[gɪft]n.礼物；赠品 n.天赋；才能 vt.赋予；赠送
典型例句 The watch was a gift from my mother.
这块表是母亲给我的礼物。
最常用法 accept a gift 接受礼物
send a gift to 把礼物送给……
have a gift for 对……有天赋
联想记忆 gifted adj.有天赋的
present n.礼物
talent n.天赋；才能
参考阅读
时间的价值
想知道“一整年”的价值，就去问期末考试考砸了的学生。
想知道“一个月”的价值，就去问曾经早产的母亲。
想知道“一周”的价值，就去问周报的编辑。
想知道“一天”的价值，就去问有十个孩子待哺的领日薪工人。
想知道“一小时”的价值，就去问在等待见面的情侣。
想知道“一分钟”的价值，就去问刚错过火车的人。
想知道“一秒钟”的价值，就去问刚躲过一场车祸的人。
想知道“一毫秒”的价值，就去问奥运的银牌得主。
珍惜你所拥有的每一时刻。昨日已成历史，而明日仍是个谜。
今天则是珍贵的礼物，那是它为何被称做“礼物（现在）”的 原因。
读书笔记___________________________________________
美文赏析
Enjoy Your Day with Gratitude
A blind boy sat on the steps of a building with a hat by his feet. He held up a sign which said：“I am blind, please help.”There were only a few coins in the hat.
A man was walking by. He took a few coins from his pocket and dropped them into the hat.He then took the sign, turned it around, and wrote some words.He put the sign back so that everyone who walked by would see the new words.
Soon the hat began to fill up. A lot more people were giving money to the blind boy.That afternoon the man who had changed the sign came to see how things were.The boy recognized his footsteps and asked，“Were you the one who changed my sign this morning?What did you write?”
The man said，“I only wrote the truth. I said what you said, but in a different way.I wrote：‘Today is a beautiful day, but I cannot see it.’”
Both signs told people that the boy was blind. But the first sign simply said the boy was blind.The second sign told people that they were so lucky that they were not blind.Should we be surprised that the second sign was more effective?
Be thankful for what you have！But remember, be creative and learn to think differently and positively.
词汇详解
1．enjoy[ɪnˈdʒɔɪ]v.享受；喜欢
典型例句 Now that I am free, I can enjoy music for a while.
既然有空，我可以享受一下音乐。
最常用法 enjoy doing sth.喜欢做某事
enjoy oneself 过得快活，感到愉快
2．recognize[ˈrekəgnaɪz]vt.承认；认出；识别
典型例句 Can you recognize her from this picture?
你能从这张照片中认出她吗？
联想记忆 admit vi.承认
recognition n.承认；认出；赏识
3．both[bəʊθ]adj.两者的 pron.两者
典型例句 He is both a soldier and a poet.
他既是个战士，又是个诗人。
最常用法 both……and……既……又……
联想记忆 either adj.任一的；两方的
neither pron.两者都不
all adj. n.全部
4．different[ˈdɪfrənt]adj.不同的
典型例句 He’s a different man from what he was 10 years ago.
他和十年前不一样。
最常用法 be different from/to/than 不同从/到/比
联想记忆 differently adv.不同地
differ vi.不同；有区别
difference n.差异
same adj.同样的，一样的 adv.同样地 pron.同样的人或事
similar adj.相似的
参考阅读
生活需要怀抱一颗感恩之心
一个双目失明的男孩坐在大楼前的台阶上，脚边摆着一顶帽子。他立了一块牌子，上面写着：“我是瞎子，请帮助我。”那帽子里只有寥寥几枚硬币。
一个路人从旁边走过，他从口袋里掏出几枚硬币，放在帽子里。然后，他拿起牌子，翻到另一面写了些字。随后他把牌子放回去，让所有路过的人都能看见牌子上新写的字。
很快，帽子里的钱就多起来了。越来越多的人把钱给这个失明的孩子。下午，改写牌子的人回来看看情况。男孩听出了他的脚步声，问道：“您是早上帮我改写牌子的人吗？您写了什么？”
那人说：“我只是写出了事实。我表达的意思和你一样，只是用了另一种方式。我写的是：‘今天是美好的一天，而我却无法看见。’”
两个牌子都告诉人们男孩是盲人，但第一个牌子只是简单地讲述了这一事实；而第二个牌子却告诉人们，他们是如此幸运，因为他们不是盲人。所以说，第二个牌子效果更佳，并没有什么好惊讶的不是吗？
感激你所拥有的一切吧！但要记住，你要创造，学会用不同的方式进行积极的思考。
读书笔记___________________________________________
美文赏析
Don't Judge a Life by One Difficult Season
There was a man who had four sons. He wanted his sons to learn not to judge things too quickly.So he sent them each on a quest, in turn, to go and look at a pear tree that was a great distance away.The first son went in the winter, the second in the spring, the third in the summer, and the youngest son in the fall.
When they had all gone and come back, he called them together to describe what they had seen. The first son said that the tree was ugly, bent, and twisted.The second son said no-it was covered with green buds and full of promise.The third said it was laden with blossoms that smelled so sweet and looked so beautiful, and it was the most graceful thing he had ever seen.The last son disagreed with all of them.He said it was ripe and drooping with fruit, full of life and fulfillment.
The man then explained to his sons that they were all right, because they had each seen but one season in the tree's life. He told them that they cannot judge a tree, or a person, by only one season, and that the nature of them can only be measured at the end, when all the seasons are up.
If you give up when it's winter, you will miss the promise of your spring, the beauty of your summer, fulfillment of your fall. Don't let the pain of one season destroy the joy of all the rest.
词汇详解
1．call[kɔːl]v.呼叫；打电话；访问；呼叫 n.打电话；访问
典型例句 The shouting boy did not hear his mother call him.
大声叫嚷的孩子听不到妈妈的呼唤。
最常用法 call sb.a taxi 为某人叫一辆出租汽车
call sb. Tom 把某人叫做汤姆
call sb. to do sth.让某人做某事
call on sb.号召某人；拜访某人
call at 拜访
联想记忆 phone n.电话 v.打电话
ring n.电话 v.打电话
name v.命名
2．fall[fɔːl]v.落下；来临 n.秋天；落下；瀑布
典型例句 Jobs used to disappear when the snow fell.
当雪天来临时，就业机会就会消失。
最常用法 night falls 夜幕降临
fall over 摔倒
fall behind in one's study 在学习上落后
fall into 陷入
fall in love with 爱上，喜爱
fall asleep 睡着
联想记忆 autumn n.秋季；秋天
drop vt.落下；跌倒
rise vi.上升；升起
3．promise[ˈprɒmɪs]n.诺言；约定；（有）希望 v.允诺；答应；有希望
典型例句 I don’t trust his promise to come for a visit.
我不相信他会如约前来访问。
最常用法 promise the moon 答应办不可能办的事
promise to do sth.承诺做某事
promise sb. to do sth.保证某人做某事
make a promise 答应；允诺
break one's promise 打破诺言；食言
keep one's promise 遵守诺言
联想记忆 promising adj.有希望的；有前途的
permit n.许可证；执照 v.允许；许可
4．nature[ˈneɪtʃə（r）]n.自然界；性质；自然；本性
典型例句 The goal of life is living in agreement with nature.
人生的终极目标是和自然和谐相处。
最常用法 human nature 人性
second nature 第二天性
by nature 天生地
in nature 在世界上
a law of nature 自然法则
联想记忆 natural adj.自然的；天然的；私生的
universe n.宇宙；万物；世界
参考阅读
不要用一段艰难的时光来判定人生
有个人有四个儿子。他希望儿子们能学会不急于对事物下结论，于是依次派四个儿子出去，让他们去远方看一棵梨树。大儿子冬天前往，二儿子春天启程，三儿子夏天出发，而小儿子则是在秋天动身的。
等儿子们都去过回来之后，这位父亲把他们叫到一起，让他们描述各自的所见。大儿子说梨树很难看，被压得很弯，枝干扭曲。二儿子却说并非如此——梨树绿芽初发，生机勃勃。三儿子说那颗梨树花苞满树、芬芳扑鼻、赏心悦目，是他见过的最美丽的事物。小儿子的意见跟他们都不一样，他说那棵树果实累累，成熟在望，充满了生机和收获。
这位父亲说他们答得都对，因为他们都只看到了梨树生命中的一个季节。他告诉他们：不应仅凭一个季节来判断一棵树，一段时间来看一个人；最后，到所有的季节都已终结时，才能衡量他们的本质。
如果你在寒冬时放弃，你将失去春之希望，夏之灿烂，秋之收获。所以，不要让一时的痛苦毁弃你所有其他的快乐。
美文赏析
Growing Flowers in Your Heart
An aged man lived in a nice cottage with a large garden in a town in England.He is seen busy looking after his flowers all the time.
One day a young painter went by this garden. He was deeply attracted by the beautiful flowers, imaging how happy he could be if he lived there.Then, suddenly he found the old gardener was blind.
The painter was very surprised to ask，“Why are you busy tending these flowers which you can't see?”
The blind gardener smiled, answering，“I can tell you four reasons. First, I was a gardener when I was young, and I really like this job.Second, although I can't see these flowers, yet I can touch them.Third, I can smell the sweetness of them.As to the last one, that's you.”
“Me?But you don't know me.”responded the painter.
“Yeah, it's true that I don't know you. But I know flowers are earthly angels which everyone knows and would never turn them down.I know many people who show enthusiasm in life would stop by and the beauty of my garden will get them into a good mood.In the meantime, it also extends a chance to me to have a word with you here and to enjoy the happiness these flowers have brought us.”
I believe every flower has eyes with which they can see the kindness of the old man's heart and the sweetness of his soul. He grows flowers in his heart.I suppose although failing the sight of the beauty of blossoming, he surely can hear the voice of it.
词汇详解
1．age[eɪdʒ]n.年龄；时代；时期；v.（使）变老；
典型例句 I haven’t seen you for ages.我好久没见到你了。
最常用法 for ages 好久
联想记忆 aged adj.年老的
2．busy[ˈbɪzɪ]adj.忙的；（电话）占线的
典型例句 He was busy getting ready for his journey.
他正忙于准备旅行。
最常用法 be busy with sth.忙于做某事
be busy（in）doing sth.很忙（中）做某事。
The line is busy.电话占线。
联想记忆 busily adv.忙碌地
business n.商业；事务；生意
3．touch[tʌtʃ]v.触摸；感动 n.触觉；接触
典型例句 I’m not going to touch a thing tonight.
今天晚上，我什么也不打算吃了。
最常用法 be out of touch 失去联系
keep in touch with 与……保持联系
lose touch 失去联系
联想记忆 feel v.触摸；摸起来
4．sight[saɪt]n.视力；看 v.瞄准；看见
典型例句 The captain ordered us to shoot any strangers on sight.
船长命令我们凡是看见的陌生人都要将其击毙。
最常用法 lose one’s sight 失去视力，失明
catch sight of 看到……
at first sight 乍一看，初看起来
in sight 看见
out of sight 看不见
联想记忆 eyesight n.视力
参考阅读
在心里种花
在英国一座小镇上，有一个别致的小木屋，屋子里住着一个上了年纪的人，他有一个很大的花园。人们每天都能看到他在园子里忙着照看那些花儿。
有一天，一位年轻的画家路过这里，他被这些美丽的花儿深深吸引住了，想象着要是自己能住在那里该有多好。这时他突然看到了那位老园丁是个盲人。
画家感到十分意外，不解地问道：“你根本看不见这些花，却忙个不停地照看它们，这是为什么？”
盲人笑了，他说：“我可以告诉你四个理由：第一，我年轻的时候是个园丁，我热爱园艺工作；第二，我的眼睛虽然看不见，但可以抚摸我的花；第三，我可以闻见它们的芬芳；至于第四个原因嘛，则是因为你。”
“我？但是，你本来就不认识我呀？”画家回答到。
老人接着说：“是的，我是不认识你，但我知道花是人间仙子，所有人都认识花，都不会拒绝它们。我知道不少像你这样热爱生活的人在此经过，都会因为看到我花园的美丽而驻步，从而心情愉快。我也因此有机会和你在这里聊天，一起分享花带来的快乐。”
我相信每一朵花都是有眼睛的，它一定能看到盲人的善良和他崇高的灵魂。盲人种花，把花种在了心里，虽然看不到花开的美丽，但是，我猜想他一定能听到花开的声音。
读书笔记___________________________________________
美文赏析
A Tragedy or a Blessing
Years ago in Scotland, the Clark family had a dream to travel to the United States with their nine children. Clark and his wife worked and saved, and finally had enough money and got passports and reservations for the whole family on a new liner to the United States.
The entire family was filled with expectation and excitement about life in America. However, seven days before their departure, the youngest son was bitten by a dog.The doctor sewed up the boy and hung a yellow sheet on the Clarks'front door.Because of the possibility of rabies, they were being separated for fourteen days.
The family's dreams were dashed. They would not be able to make the trip to America as they had planned.The father shed tears of disappointment and cursed both his son and God for their misfortune.
Five days later, the tragic news spread throughout Scotland-Titanic had sunk. The unsinkable ship had sunk, taking hundreds of lives with it.The Clark family was to have been on that ship, but because the son had been bitten by a dog, they were left behind in Scotland.
When Mr. Clark heard the news, he hugged his son and thanked him for saving the family.He thanked God for saving their lives and turning what he felt was a tragedy into a blessing.
Although we may not always understand, all things happen for a reason.
词汇详解
1．save[seɪv]v.救；节省；保存 n.救援，救助
典型例句 I lent him my bike in order that he could save time.
我把自行车借给他，以便他能节省一些时间。
最常用法 save one’s face 保全面子
save one's pains 不浪费力气
联想记忆 rescue vt.营救；援救 n.营救；救援
2．expect[ɪkˈspekt]v.预期；期待；盼望
典型例句 I shall expect your opinion of it very soon.
我希望很快听到你关于此事的意见。
最常用法 expect to do sth.期望做某事
expect sb. to do sth.希望某人做某事
联想记忆 expectation n.预料；期望
unexpectedly adv.未料到地；意外地
hope v.希望；期望；盼望 n.希望
3．however[haʊˈevə（r）]adv.然而；无论如何；不管多么 conj.不管怎样
典型例句 I am very much believable, however, you’ll get him to come.
我相信你不管怎样都能把他请来。
联想记忆 but conj.但是
no matter how 无论如何
4．happen[ˈhæpən]vi.发生；碰巧；出现
典型例句 I tremble at the thought of what may happen.
我想到可能出现的情况就不寒而栗。
最常用法 sth.happen to sb.某事发生在某人身上
sb. happen to do sth.某人发生某事
It happens that……碰巧，恰巧……
联想记忆 happening n.事件；意外发生的事
occur vi.发生；存在；出现；想到
result v.产生；致使
take place 发生
参考阅读
是祸是福
许多年以前，在苏格兰生活着克拉克一家，他们家有个梦想：带着九个孩子一家人去美国旅行。克拉克夫妇辛苦工作攒钱，最终攒够了旅行费，并且拿到了护照。一家人到美国的船票也订好了，还是一艘全新的远洋邮轮。
全家人都对美洲生活充满了期待，兴奋之情溢于言表。然而就在还有七天就要出发的时候，小儿子被狗咬伤了。医生为孩子缝合了伤口，但是却在克拉克家门口挂上了一张黄色的纸，他们家要被隔离十四天，因为他的儿子有可能得狂犬病。
全家人的梦想破灭了。他们不能按原计划去美国了。父亲失望得哭了，他咒骂自己的儿子，咒骂上天给他们家带来的不幸。
五天之后，一个不幸的消息传遍了苏格兰——“泰坦尼克号”沉没了。“不沉之船”沉没了，数以百计的人葬身海底。克拉克一家本来应该在那条船上的，但是因为儿子被狗咬伤了，他们一家被留在了苏格兰。
当克拉克听到这个消息后，他紧紧地抱住自己的儿子，感谢他救了全家人的生命。他也感谢上天救了他们，因祸得福。
尽管我们不一定明白所有的事情，但是所有事情的发生都有它的理由。
读书笔记___________________________________________
美文赏析
Love and Time
Once upon a time, there was an island where all the feelings lived：Happiness, Sadness, Knowledge, and all of the others, including Love.One day it was announced to the feelings that the island would sink, so all constructed boats and left except Love.
Love was the only one who stayed. Love wanted to hold out until the last possible moment.
When the island had almost sunk, Love decided to ask for help.
Richness was passing by Love in a grand boat. Love said，
“Richness, can you take me with you?”
Richness answered，“No, I can't. There is a lot of gold and silver in my boat.There is no place here for you.”
Love decided to ask Vanity who was also passing by in a beautiful ship.“Vanity, please help me！”
“I can't help you, Love. You are all wet and might damage my ship，”Vanity answered.
Sadness was close by so Love asked，“Sadness, let me go with you.”
“Oh……Love, I am so sad that I need to be by myself！”
Happiness passed by Love, too, but she was so happy that she did not even hear when Love called her.
Suddenly, there was a voice，“Come, Love, I will take you.”It was an elder. So blessed and overjoyed, Love even forgot to ask the elder where they were going.When they arrived at dry land, the elder went her own way.Realizing how much he owed the elder, Love asked Knowledge, another elder，“Who helped me?”
“It was Time，”Knowledge answered.
“Time?”asked Love.“But why did Time help me?”
Knowledge smiled with deep wisdom and answered，“Because only Time is capable of understanding how valuable Love is.”
词汇详解
1．decide[dɪˈsaɪd]v.决定；判断；断定
典型例句 A chance meeting decided my career.
偶然的会面决定了我的事业。
最常用法 decide to do sth.决定做某事
decide sb. to do sth 使某人决定做某事
decide on 决定，选定
联想记忆 decision n.决定；决心；判决
determine v.决定；决心；确定；测定
2．need[niːd]v.需要；必须 n.需要；必要；缺乏 aux.需要，必须
典型例句 You need some warm clothes for the winter.
冬天来了，你必须准备一些保暖衣物。
最常用法 need to do sth.需要做某事
need sb. to do sth.需要某人做某事
need doing/to be done 需要被……
fit/meet the needs 适合需求
in need 需要
联想记忆 needy adj.贫穷的；缺乏的
needs n.需要
3．hear[hɪə（r）]v.得知；倾听；听到
典型例句 None are so deaf as those who will not hear.
听而不闻者乃世界上最聋之人。
最常用法 hear sb.do sth.听见某人做某事
hear sb. doing sth.听到某人正在做某事
hear about 听说
hear from sb.接到某人的信或电话
hear of 听到，听说过
联想记忆 hearing n.听力；听觉
listen v.听；倾听；听从
4．arrive[əˈraɪv]vi.到达；到来
典型例句 You must arrive at the airport two hours early.
你必须提前两小时到达机场。
最常用法 arrive home 到家
arrive at 到达，得到，得出
arrive in 到达
联想记忆 arrival n.到达
reach v.到达
get to 到达；开始；达到（某一阶段）
leave v.离开
参考阅读
爱与时间
从前有一个岛，所有的情感都住在那里：幸福、悲伤、知识等等，爱也不例外。一天，所有的情感听说小岛即将沉没，因此建造小船，纷纷离开，除了爱。
爱是唯一留下来的，因为它希望能坚持到最后一刻。
小岛即将沉没了，爱决定请求帮助。
富有驾着一艘大船从爱身边经过，爱说，“富有，你能带上我吗？”
富有回答说：“不行，我的船上载满金银财宝，没有你的地方。”
虚荣坐在漂亮的小船中从爱身边驶过，爱问：“虚荣，你能帮助我吗？”
虚荣说：“不行，你全身湿透，会弄脏我的船。”
悲伤的船靠近了，爱问：“悲伤，请带我走吧。”
“哦……爱，我太难过了，想一个人待着。”
幸福经过爱的身边，它太开心了，根本没听见爱在呼唤。
突然，一个声音喊道：“来，爱，我带你走。”声音来自“年老”。爱太高兴了，甚至忘了问他们即将去何方。当他们来到岸上，年老自己离开了。爱突然意识到“年老”给了它多大的帮助。
于是，爱问另一位老者——知识：“谁帮助了我？”
知识说：“是时间。”
“时间？”爱问，“但是时间为什么帮助我？”
知识睿智地微笑道：“因为只有时间了解爱的价值。”
读书笔记___________________________________________
美文赏析
God's Boxes
I have in my hands two boxes which God gave me to hold. He said，“Put all your sorrows in the black box, and all your joys in the gold.”I heeded his words, storing both my joys and sorrows in the two boxes.
But though the gold became heavier each day, the black was as light as before. With curiosity, I opened the black：I wanted to find out why.And I saw, in the base of the box, a hole which my sorrows had fallen out by.
I showed the hole to God, and mused，“I wonder where my sorrows could be.”He smiled a gentle smile and said，“My child, they're all here with me.”I asked God why he gave me the boxes, and why one is gold while the other black with the hole.“My child, the gold is for you to count your blessings；the black is for you to let go.”
词汇详解
1．joy[dʒɔɪ]n.欢乐；喜悦
典型例句 When his wish was realized, his joy knew no measure.
当他的愿望实现时，他不知道有多高兴。
最常用法 to sb.’s joy 使某人高兴的是
with joy 满怀喜悦地
联想记忆 joyful adj.愉快的；高兴的
enjoyment n.享受；令人愉快的事
fun n.乐趣；玩笑 adj.有趣的
delight n.高兴；快乐 v.（使）高兴；（使）欣喜
pleasure n.愉快；高兴
2．store[stɔː（r）]n.商店；贮藏 vt.储存；贮藏；保存
典型例句 The fire was so damaging that the store had to close its doors.
火灾造成的损失太严重，这个商店不得不停业。
最常用法 in store 贮藏着，准备着
a store of 许多，大量，丰富
a book store 书店
a drug store 药房
联想记忆 storage n.保管；贮藏
3．wonder[ˈwʌndə（r）]n.惊奇；奇迹；奇观 v.想知道；怀疑
典型例句 Do you seriously wonder that she didn’t help him?
她没有帮助他，你没有很好奇吗？
最常用法 no wonder 难怪，怪不得
联想记忆 wonderful adj.精彩的；极好的
4．count[kaʊnt]v.计算；视为；依赖；有价值 n.计数；总数
典型例句 It will count up to a large amount.总数将相当可观。
最常用法 count up to 数到，总计
counter n.柜台
联想记忆 countable adj.能算的；可计算的
countless adj.无数的
参考阅读
珍存幸福，释放悲伤
我手上拿着上帝给的两个盒子。他说：“把你所有的悲伤放进黑色的盒子，所有的快乐放进金色的盒子。”我按照他的话做了，在两个盒子里存放了我的快乐和悲伤。
然而，虽然那个金色的盒子的重量每天都有所增加，但是黑色盒子却轻如以前。出于好奇，我打开了黑色的盒子，我想找到原因。我看到，盒子的底部有一个洞，我的悲伤就是从那里漏掉了。
我让上帝看那个洞，若有所思地说：“我想知道我的悲伤在哪儿呢？”他温和地笑着说：“我的孩子，它们都在我这儿呢。”于是，我又问上帝，为什么要给我两个盒子，为什么一个是金色的，一个是黑色带洞的。上帝回答说：“我的孩子，金色的盒子是让你幸福，黑色的盒子是让你释放悲伤。”
读书笔记___________________________________________
美文赏析
Lesson from the Moon
When the moon is fullest it begins to wane；when it is darkest it begins to grow.
This is a Chinese proverb. There is a calm wisdom in this old saying that impressed me when I heard it first form a monk in a temple.It has often helped me to maintain a good measure of calmness under stress and hardship as well as when some unexpected success or good luck might have made me over-excited.There is hope and relief in the sure knowledge that even the darkest hours of pains and troubles won't last, and a warning against overestimating the passing glories of wealth, power and great fortune.A warning and a hope, not only for the individual, but for government, nations and their leaders, a brief summing up of all that history and human experience can tell us.And beyond all that we might hear in it an echo of the law and order that holds our universe in safe balance.
词汇详解
1．lesson[ˈlesn]n.教训；课；榜样 vt.教训；给……上课
典型例句 That accident taught them a lesson.
那次事故给了他们一个教训。
最常用法 give a lesson 讲课；教课
have lessons 上课
take lessons 上课
teach sb. a lesson 给某人一个教训
联想记忆 class n.等级；阶级；阶层；班级；课
course n.课程；讲座；过程；路线
2．excite[ɪkˈsaɪt]vt.使兴奋；使激动；刺激
典型例句 Nothing seemed to surprise or excite him.
好像他对什么事情都不惊讶或兴奋似的。
最常用法 be excited about 由于……而激动
be excited at 由于……而兴奋
联想记忆 exciting adj.令人兴奋的；使人激动的
excited adj.感到兴奋的；激动的
over-excited adj.过于激动的；过于兴奋的
excitement n.激动；兴奋
excitedly adv.激动地；兴奋地
cheer n.欢呼 v.欢呼；使振奋
encourage vt.鼓励；促进；支持
3．law[lɔː]n.法律；法规；准则
典型例句 She had not broken the law on purpose, but still she had broken it.
她并非故意犯法，但毕竟是犯了法。
最常用法 break the law go to law 打官司
law of nature 自然法则
law of value 价值规律
联想记忆 lawyer n.律师
rule n.规则；条例；习惯
4．safe[seɪf]adj.安全的
典型例句 It is not safe to drive like that, you must slow down.
那样开车是不安全的，你必须减速。
最常用法 as safe as houses 非常安全
safe and sound 平安无事
联想记忆 safely adv.安全地；平安地
safety n.安全；保险
secure adj.安全的；牢靠的；稳妥的 vt.使安全；获得；固定
dangerous adj.危险的；不安全的
参考阅读
月亮给我的人生启示
月盈则亏，晦则明。
这是一句中国谚语。最初是寺院中的一位和尚告诉我的这句中国古话，当时给我的印象很深。这实在是一句至理名言，蕴含着冷静的慧智。从那时起，每当我遭逢坎坷困苦，或者遇到可能使我过于兴奋的成功或好运的时候，这句话都曾帮助我保持镇定，泰然处之。这句话提示我们，不论痛苦和忧患的时刻多么黑暗，也不会长久持续下去，因而使我们感到希望和安慰；同时也警告我们，财富、权力和鸿运当头的荣耀，都只是过眼烟云，不可过于重视。个人如此，国家和政府领袖亦然。这句箴言所提供的希望和警告，实在是整个历史和人类经验的结晶。除此之外，我们还可以从这句话里面，聆听到使宇宙保持平衡状态的法律与秩序的回声。
读书笔记___________________________________________
美文赏析
You Handle Your Own Life
Consider……YOU！In all time before now and in all time to come, there has never been and will never be anyone just like you. You are unique in the entire history and future of the universe.Wow！Stop and think about that.You’re better than one in a thousand, or in a million, or a billion……
You're amazing！You're awesome！As amazing and awesome as you already are, you can be even more so. Beautiful young people are the whimsey of nature, but beautiful old people are true works of art.But you don’t become“beautiful”just by virtue of the aging process.
Real beauty comes from learning, growing, and loving in the ways of life. That is the Art of Life.You can learn slowly, and sometimes painfully, by just waiting for life to happen to you.Or you can choose to accelerate your growth and intentionally waste life and all it offers.You are the artist that paints your future with the brush of today.
Paint a Masterpiece.
God gives every bird its food, but he doesn't throw it into its nest. Wherever you want to go, whatever you want to do, it's truly up to you.
词汇详解
1．own[əʊn]adj.自己的；特有的 n.自己的东西 v.承认；拥有
典型例句 Children need toys of their own.儿童需要有自己的玩具。
最常用法 of one’s own 自己的
own to 承认
联想记忆 owner n.所有人；物主
possess vt.拥有；持有；支配
2．never[ˈnevə（r）]adv.永不；从不
典型例句 I never miss a chance of playing football.
我从不错过踢足球的机会。
最常用法 never mind 不要紧
now or never 机不可失，机会难得
联想记忆 always adv.总是；一直；始终；永远；随时；无论如何
forever adv.永远
3．like[laɪk]prep.像 v.喜欢；想；愿意
典型例句 At a distance he looks a bit like James Bond.
从远处看，他有点像詹姆斯·邦德。
最常用法 look like 看上去像；与……相似
like to do sth.喜欢做某事
like doing sth.喜欢做某事
联想记忆 love v.爱；热爱；喜欢 n.爱；热爱；爱情；恋爱；喜爱
likely adj.可能的；可信的 adv.很可能
unlike adj.不同的，不相似的 prep.不像，与……不同
dislike v.不喜欢；厌恶 n.不喜爱；厌恶；反感
alike adj.相似的；同样的
like, enjoy, love 喜欢，喜欢，爱
prefer vt./vi.宁可；较喜欢
hate v.憎恨；厌恶；讨厌 n.憎恨；厌恶
4．work[wɜːk]n.工作；作品 v.工作；做事；奏效
典型例句 They’ll work on till sunset.他们将继续工作，直到日落。
最常用法 work on 继续工作；致力于
at work 工作中
联想记忆 career n.职业；事业
job n.工作；职业；职位
task n.任务
参考阅读
生命掌握在自己手中
试想一下……你！一个空前绝后的你，不论是以往还是将来都不会有一个跟你一模一样的人。你在历史上和宇宙中都是独一无二的。哇！想想吧，你是千里挑一、万里挑一、亿里挑一。
你是了不起的！你是卓越的！你已经是了不起的，是卓越的，你还可以更了不起更卓越。美丽的年轻人是大自然的奇想，而美丽的老人却是艺术的杰作。但你不会因为年龄的渐长就自然而然地变得“美丽”。
真正的美丽源于生命里的学习、成长和热爱。这就是生命的艺术。你可以只听天由命，慢慢地学，有时候或许会很痛苦。又或许你可以选择加速自己的成长，故意地挥霍生活及其提供的一切。你就是手握今日之刷描绘自己未来的艺术家。
画出一幅杰作吧！
上帝给了鸟儿食物，但他没有将食物扔到它们的巢里。不管你想要去哪里，不管你想要做什么，真正做决定的还是你自己。
读书笔记___________________________________________
美文赏析
The Importance of Being Silly
We all, at one time or another, have pretended to be a rock star, singing and dancing along to our favorite song. Most of us have done this in the privacy of our own room when we were kids and as adults, in the privacy of our homes.Me?I love to do that when I drive！I turn on the radio, find a song that I can sing along too and pretty soon my arms are in the air and I am moving along to the rhythm.Most of the time, I do this on my way to work.
Yes, that is true. I will be in my nice work clothes, jamming while driving or stopped at a traffic light.I get weird looks from some people and others laugh.Personally, I love to get lost in the rhythm of a song which leads me to share with you the importance of being silly！
The definition for the word silly, according to the dictionary is：stupid, foolish and nonsensical. I know many people do not want to look foolish.So they walk around all serious, which in all honesty, is foolish！
No one is perfect, I repeat：no one is perfect. I don't care how educated, how thin, how beautiful, how simple, how rich, and so on……No one is perfect！So why pretend to be something you are not?
词汇详解
1．pretty[ˈprɪti]adv.相当地 adj.漂亮的
典型例句 I want a window seat so that I can enjoy the pretty sights during the journey.
我想要个靠窗的座位，好欣赏沿途的美景。
最常用法 pretty good 相当好
联想记忆 fairly adv.公正地；相当地
quite adv.相当；完全；十分；很
rather adv.相当；有点儿
good-looking adj.漂亮的
handsome adj.英俊的
beautiful adj.美丽的；好的；出色的
ugly adj.丑陋的
2．stop[stɒp]v.停止；阻止；停留 n.停止；逗留；车站
典型例句 They had a stop for a few days in New York.
他们在纽约逗留了几天。
最常用法 stop doing sth.停止做某事
stop to do sth.停下来去做某事
stop……from 阻止
联想记忆 end n.结束；末端；端点 v.终止，结束
finish v.完成；结束
pause n.暂停；中止；犹豫不决 vi.停顿；中止
3．educate[ˈedʒukeɪt]v.教育；培养；训练
典型例句 An educator must first educate himself.
教育者必须自己先受教育。
联想记忆 educator n.教育者
education n.教育
educated adj.受过教育的；有教养的
uneducated adj.没受教育的；无知的；缺乏教养的
参考阅读
难得糊涂
我们每个人，在不同时期，都曾经像一个摇滚歌星那样，伴着我们最爱的那首歌又唱又跳。很多人在小时候，甚至是已长大成人，都曾在我们自己房间和家里类似的隐秘空间里这样过。我呢？我喜欢在开车的时候这样！打开收音机，找一首会唱的歌，很快我就会张开双臂，随着节奏起舞。大部分时候，我在上班的路上这么做。
是的，那是真的。我会穿着我漂亮的工作服，在堵车和遇到交通灯时，有人就会用奇怪的眼神看着我，或者笑我。对我个人而言，我喜欢沉浸在一首歌的节奏中，由此我愿和你们分享：为人糊涂贵在何处。
糊涂一词在字典中的定义是：愚蠢的，傻，荒谬的。我知道很多人都不想被人看作愚笨。所以他们在生活中始终一脸严肃，而这在本质上才是真正的愚笨。
人无完人，我重申一次：没有人是完美的。我不在乎一个人学识多深，身材多好，外表多美，思想多浅薄，生活多富有，等等……人无完人！那么，为什么要伪装成我们实际上本不是的呢？
读书笔记___________________________________________
美文赏析
On Friendship
Everyone needs friendship. No one can sail the ocean of life single handed.We need help from, and also give help to, others.In the modern age, people attach more importance to relations and connections.A man of charisma has many friends.His power lies in his ability to give.
The term, friend, covers a wide range of raeanings. It can be a nodding acquaintance, a comrade, a confident, a partner, a playmate, a brother, an intimate etc.
As life is full of conflict, we need friends to support and help as out of difficulties.Our friends give us warnings against danger.True friends share not only joy but, more often than not, they share sorrow.
With friendship, life is happy and harmonious. Without friendship, life is unfortunate.I have friends in the rank and file.Some are rich and in power.Some are low and common.Some are like myself, content with the simple life we have.To many of my friends, I know what to treasure, what to tolerate and what to share, I will never forget my old friends and keep making new friends.I will not be cold and indifferent to the poor friends and will show concern for them, even if it is only a comforting word.
词汇详解
1．lie[laɪ]v.躺下；位于；在于；说谎 n.谎言
典型例句 Our land lies between these trees and the river.
我们的土地位于这些树和那条河之间。
最常用法 lie in 位于；在于
lie awake 醒着躺在那里
a white lie 无恶意的谎言
a black lie 用心险恶的谎言
a big lie 弥天大谎
tell a lie/tell lies 说谎
联想记忆 lay v.放置
liar n.说谎者；骗子
exist v.存在；生存；活着
truth n.事实；真理；真实；真相
2．support[səˈpɔːt]vt.支持；供养；资助 n.支持；支撑
典型例句 He needs a high income to support such a large family.
他需要有高收入才能供养得起这样一个大家庭。
最常用法 support sb.to do sth.支持某人做某事
support a family 养活一家人
联想记忆 supporting adj.支持的；次要的；辅助性的
3．common[ˈkɒmən]adj.常见的；普通的；共同的
典型例句 We have common topics to talk about.
我们有共同的话题可谈。
最常用法 common people 平民，大众
have nothing in common 毫无共同之处
联想记忆 commonly adv.一般地；通常地；普通地
general adj.一般的
normal adj.正常的
ordinary adj.平常的
usual adj.通常的
参考阅读
谈友谊
人人都需要友谊，没有人能独自在人生的海洋中航行。我们给人帮助也需要别人的帮助。在现代，人们更重视关系和联系。一个有领袖气质的人有许多朋友，他的权力在于他的给予能力。
朋友的意义很广，可以是熟人、同志、知已、伙伴、玩伴、兄弟、密友等。
生活充满斗争，我们需要朋友的支持，以帮助我们摆脱困境。朋友提醒我们警惕险难。真正的朋友不仅与我们同甘，而且共苦。
友谊使生活幸福，和谐，没有友谊的生活充满了不幸。我有地位高的朋友，也有地位低的朋友，有的有钱有权，有的位卑而平凡。有的和我一样满足于简朴的生活。对我的众多朋友，我知道该珍惜什么，容忍什么，分享什么。我不会忘记老朋友，同时继续交新朋友。对穷朋友不冷漠，关心他们，哪怕只是一句安慰的话。
读书笔记___________________________________________
美文赏析
True Nobility
In a calm sea every man is a pilot.
But all sunshine without shade, all pleasure without pain, is not life at all. Pains and blessings, one following another, make us sad and blessed by turns.Even death itself makes life more loving.Men come closest to their true selves in the sober moments of life, under the shadows of sorrow and loss.
In the affairs of life or of business, it is not intellect that tells so much as character, not brains so much as heart, not genius so much as self-control, patience, and discipline, regulated by judgment.
I have always believed that the man who has begun to live more seriously within begins to live more simply without. In an age of waste, I wish I could show to the world how few the real wants of humanity are.
To regret one's errors to the point of not repeating them is true regret. There is nothing noble in being superior to some other man.The true nobility is in being superior to your previous self.
词汇详解
1．calm[kɑːm]adj.平静的；冷静的 v.（使）平静；（使）镇静 n.镇定；平静
典型例句 You should keep calm even in face of danger.
即使面临危险，你也应当保持镇静。
最常用法 keep calm 保持镇静
calm oneself 使自己镇定下来
calm down 平静下来
联想记忆 calmly adv.平静地；安静地；冷静地
peaceful adj.和平的
quiet adj.安静的
silet adj.无声的
still adj.不动的
rough adj.粗暴的
wild adj.狂野的
2．follow[ˈfɒləʊ]v.跟随；遵循；明白
典型例句 Follow this road until you get to the corner, then turn left.
沿着这条路走到拐角处，然后向左转。
最常用法 follow sb.跟踪某人
as follows 列举如下
联想记忆 following adj.接着的；下列的
3．loss[lɒs]n.遗失；丧失；损失
典型例句 But the family we left behind will feel the loss for the rest of their life.
但是当我们离开家人后，他们的余生将会在失落中度过。
最常用法 at a loss 不知所措
suffer from losses 遭受损失
联想记忆 lose vt.丢失；失败；迷失 vi.失败；经受损失
lost adj.迷路的；丢失的；错过的
4．seriously[ˈsɪəriəsli]adv.严肃地；认真地；严重地
典型例句 He was seriously injured in the traffic accident.
他在车祸中受了重伤。
最常用法 take seriously 认真对待……
联想记忆 serious adj.严肃的；严重的；认真的
5．without[wɪˈðaʊt]prep.没有；无；在外面 adv.在缺乏的情况下；在外面
典型例句 It is hard to sleep without a cooler in this room.
没有空调，在这间屋里很难入睡。
最常用法 go without 没有……也行……
联想记忆 with prep.有
within prep.在……里面 adv.在里面；内心 n.内部
参考阅读
真正的高贵
在风平浪静的大海上，每个人都是领航员。
但只有阳光没有阴影，只有快乐没有痛苦，根本不是真正的生活。痛苦与幸福交替出现，使得我们一会悲伤一会高兴。甚至死亡本身都使得生命更加可爱。在人生清醒的时刻，在悲伤与失落的阴影之下，人们与真实的自我最为接近。
在生活和事业的种种事务之中，性格比才智更能指导我们，心灵比头脑更能引导我们，而由判断获得的克制、耐心和教养比天分更能让我们受益。
我一向认为，内心生活开始更为严谨的人，他的外在生活也会变得更为简朴。在物欲横流的年代，但愿我能向世人表明：人类的真正需求少得多么可怜。
反思自己的过错不至于重蹈覆辙才是真正的悔悟。高人一等并没有什么值得夸耀的。真正的高贵是优于过去的自已。
读书笔记___________________________________________
美文赏析
We're Just Beginning
“We are reading the first line of the first chapter of a book whose pages are infinite……”
I do not know who wrote those words, but I have always liked them as a reminder that the future can be anything we want to make it. We can take the mysterious, unclear future and carve out of it anything that we can imagine, just as a sculptor carves a statue from a shapeless stone.
We are all in the position of the farmer. If we plant a good seed, we reap a good harvest.If our seed is poor and full of weeds, we reap a useless crop.If we plant nothing at all, we harvest nothing at all.
I want the future to be better than the past.I don’t want it polluted by the mistakes and errors with which history is filled.We should all be concerned about the future because that is where we will spend the remainder of our lives.
The past is gone and immobile. Nothing we can do will change it.The future is before us and active.Everything we do will affect it.Each day brings with it new frontiers, in our homes and in our business, if we only recognize them.We are just at the beginning of the progress in every field of human endeavor.
词汇详解
1．line[laɪn]n.线；行；台词 v.排队
典型例句 You should write on every other line.
你应该隔行写。
最常用法 in line 成一直线
be lined with 布满
联想记忆 rope n.绳索
thread n.线；思路
wire n.电线
queue n.长队；行列
2．imagine[ɪˈmædʒɪn]v.想象；设想；认为
典型例句 I imagine she’ll have finished her homework by seven o’clock.
我料想她会在七点之前完成作业。
最常用法 imagine doing sth.想象做某事
imagine sb. doing sth.想象某人做某事
联想记忆 imagination n.想象；想象力
3．progress[ˈprəʊgres]n.进步；发展；前进 v.进步；发展
典型例句 They made slow progress towards the mountaintop.
他们向山顶缓慢地前进。
最常用法 make progress 取得进步/进展
联想记忆 progressive adj.先进的；前进的
improvement n.改进；改善
4．field[fiːld]n.田地；领域
典型例句 He has become famous in his own field.
他在自己的领域里已经出名了。
最常用法 scientific field 科学领域
battle field 战场
in the field of 在……方面，在……范围内
联想记忆 farm n.农场；农田 v.务农
area n.面积
参考阅读
一切刚开始
“我们正在读一本套书的第一章第一行，这本套书的页数是无限的……”
我不知道这句话是谁写的，可我很喜欢这句话，它提醒我们未来是由自己创造的。我们可以把神秘、不可知的未来塑造成我们想象中的任何模样，犹如雕刻家将未成形的石头刻成雕像。
我们每个人都像是农夫。洒下良种将有丰收，播下劣种或生满野草便将毁去收成。没有耕耘则会一无所获。
我希望未来比过去更加美好，希望未来不会沾染历史的错误与过失。我们都应举目向前，因我们的余生要用未来书写。
往昔已逝，静如止水；我们无法再作改变。而前方的未来正生机勃勃；我们所做的每一件事都将会影响着它。只要我们认识到这些，无论是在家中还是在工作上，每天我们的面前都会展现出新的天地。在人类致力开拓的每一片领域上，我们正站在进步的起跑点。
读书笔记___________________________________________