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“As human beings we are not doomed to a cold, emotionless, machine-like existence. We are creatures throbbing with mental, emotional and physical energy. Once we yank out the irrationalities and lies from our thoughts and replace them with the truth, we can lead satisfying, rich and fulfilling emotional lives. It is not, however, events either past or present which make us feel the way we feel, but our interpretation of those events. Our feelings are not caused by the circumstances of our long-lost childhood or the circumstances of the present. Our feelings are caused by what we tell ourselves about our circumstances, whether in words or in attitudes. What we tell ourselves can be either (1) truth or (2) lie. If you tell yourself untruths or lies, you will believe untruths and lies. If you tell yourself you’re a dumb jerk who can’t do anything right, you’ll believe it. If you believe something, you’ll act as though you believe it. That’s why your beliefs and misbeliefs are the most important factors of your mental and emotional life.” — William Backus