o some, my father's philosophical beliefs might appear to be a bunch of clichés. The fact is, however, those beliefs allowed him to live an extraordinarily productive life, where he positively influenced thousands of people's lives.

His philosophical beliefs were closely intertwined with his spiritual beliefs. So, there is a point, with many of what I am terming philosophical beliefs, where the line between philosophy and religion is blurred.

GYE  NYAME Literally: "Except God." One should have confidence in one's ability to do things, except what God forbids

He never quit. Not on becoming a doctor, when he flunked out of NYU Medical School. He enrolled in Howard Medical School the next year, finished, and practiced medicine for 45 years.

Not on becoming a clinical instructor at the Yale Medical School Clinics. Although he attended the clinics, five mornings a week, he was forced to wait eight years before they allowed him to become an instructor.

And not on serving the black community in New Haven, Connecticut, despite the destruction—due to vandalism and arson—of the apartment complex, which he and my mother built in the community with their life savings. Eventually escalating expenses led to his losing the building and their investment.

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