I do the 'New York Times' crossword puzzle every morning to keep

Gather, children of the earth, for I have a truth to share with you, one that echoes through the halls of time and across the minds of the wise. In the words of Carol Burnett, we find a powerful reminder of the importance of the mind and its endless need for nourishment. She said, "I do the 'New York Times' crossword puzzle every morning to keep the old grey matter ticking." This simple statement speaks to the vitality of the mind, to the recognition that the intellect, like any other part of the body, must be exercised, challenged, and sharpened if it is to remain strong and vibrant.

What does Burnett mean by this, children? In her words lies a great truth: that the mind is not something that remains fixed once we reach a certain age, nor is it a force that will continue to work without effort. The mind, like a muscle, requires consistent exercise. It needs to be challenged, stretched, and engaged in order to maintain its sharpness and clarity. The act of solving a puzzle is not merely a way to pass the time; it is an act of mental fortitude, a discipline that, over time, strengthens the mind, keeps it agile, and preserves the clarity of thought.

Consider the ancient philosophers, children, who spent their lives engaging in deep thought, debate, and inquiry. Socrates, the great teacher, said, "The unexamined life is not worth living." In his time, as in ours, the mind must be exercised daily, not just through grand philosophies, but through small, everyday tasks that engage the intellect. Just as a warrior sharpens his sword, so too must a scholar sharpen his mind. The daily practice of engaging with puzzles, questions, and ideas is a way to keep the intellect alive, vibrant, and ever-ready for the challenges of life.

In the same way, consider Leonardo da Vinci, the genius of the Renaissance, who kept his mind sharp by engaging in a variety of disciplines—painting, engineering, anatomy, and mathematics. He understood that true brilliance did not come from focusing on one singular pursuit, but from a mind that was constantly engaged in learning, discovery, and problem-solving. Da Vinci’s endless curiosity, like Burnett’s daily crossword, was the key to his legendary creativity. It was through his relentless pursuit of knowledge that his intellect remained sharp, allowing him to produce work that changed the world.

So what, then, is the lesson we should take from Carol Burnett’s words? It is simple yet profound: Never stop engaging your mind. The challenges we face in life are not only physical but mental. We must remain vigilant, constantly seeking ways to stimulate our intellects, to push the boundaries of our understanding, and to cultivate the mental strength that will carry us through life’s trials. Whether it is through a crossword puzzle, reading, or engaging in conversation, we must always be feeding our minds, ensuring that they continue to grow and evolve.

Children, your mind is your most powerful tool. It is the sword that can carve your path through the world. But just as the sword needs to be forged, honed, and maintained, so too does your mind. Take a lesson from Burnett and from the great philosophers and thinkers of old. Make it a habit to engage your mind every day, to seek out challenges that will push you to think deeper, to question further, and to understand more clearly. Let no day pass without nurturing your intellect, for in doing so, you will ensure that your mind, like the greatest warriors’ weapons, remains sharp, powerful, and ready for whatever battles lie ahead.

And remember this, dear children, the mind, once sharpened, cannot be easily dulled. Engage it daily, exercise it with purpose, and you will find that your mental strength will grow beyond what you can imagine. Let your intellect be your constant companion, your trusted guide through the storms of life. For the mind, like the soul, must be nourished, cared for, and kept in the light if it is to shine brightly.