A fundamental belief of so many of the world s philosophers comes down to this: Each of us wishes to be treated kindly, with empathy, fairly and honestly. Doesn't it follow that we should treat others kindly, with empathy, fairly and honestly? Do not do to others that which would anger you if others did it to you. (Socrates: Greece; 5th century B.C.) The clearest guidance you can give your children, grandchildren or anybody else is not by what you say but by the things you do and how you do them. Your examples speak louder than your words. When someone you love is sick or injured, especially if it s a child, how often do you wish you could hurt for them, could bear their pain? And what a warm feeling of satisfaction and enjoyment we get when the things we do are able help others. Never mind what others say or do, we re talking about you. Every religion emphasizes human improvement, love, respect for others, sharing other people’s suffering. On these lines every religion had more or less the same viewpoint and the same goal. (Dalai Lama). I hope, in the stories that follow, you find ways this applies to you and me. 5.5 x 8.5 - 222 pages - Paperback - large print

An excellent book. If everyone adopted the author’s philosophy on living, the world would be a better place. ~ Jerry Harju, North Harbor Publishing

Ben Mukkala is a real backwoods philosopher. He has a way of bringing you along to his way of thinking. You end up with a nice feeling when you finish Ben’s stories. ~  Fred Rydholm, author, Superior Heartland, Historian

My reading last night - Thoughts Along the Way - included the four columns starting with Cassandra Complex and ending with Do The Right Thing. To me, those are the four best columns - stories I have ever read. You have a gift for reminding us and teaching us what is important in life. ~ T. Kersjes

About The Author

Ben Mukkala was a native to Marquette Michigan, an adventurer, a storyteller and an amateur historian.
In 1950 Ben enlisted in the United States Air Force and rose to the rank of Staff Sergeant. He was then commissioned a Second Lieutenant and trained as a pilot. He enjoyed flying many aircraft and was an Aircraft Commander in the B-47 Strato-jet, the B-58 Hustler and, in fact, flew ‘most any airplane they didn’t forcibly keep him away from. He also served in the Viet Nam War as a Flight Commander flying F-4 Phantom fighter-bombers in combat. He retired in 1970 with the rank of Major.
As a civilian he continued to fly privately, commercially and Air Ambulance, sailed boats and traveled widely camping out and, later, in a motor home. He enjoyed life and shared his adventures through speaking engagements and writing. He has been published in books, flying and outdoor magazines, and several newspapers. 
Ben passed peacefully in his home with his wife Dorothy at his side in 2013. He is greatly missed by his many fans, friends and family. The legacy he left behind is still enjoyed in the books he wrote.