Kathleen M. Pike, PhD

A Visit to the Emerald Isle

A long-awaited vacation in Ireland fills this week and next. It is the first time for me to visit the homeland of my maternal grandparents. And no better way to do so than in the company of siblings and partners!

The history. The Guinness. The rolling hills. The harp. The shamrocks. The butter. The Long Room at Trinity College. The scones. The ballads. The sheep. The many shades of green. And, of course, the Irish proverbs, filled with wit and wisdom, are everywhere to enjoy as we explore the Emerald Isle by bike. I invite you to find a local pub and ponder five of my favorites.

1. You’ve got to do your own growing, no matter how tall your father was.

2. Irish diplomacy is the ability to tell a man to go to hell so that he looks forward to making the trip.

3. May your home always be too small to hold all your friends.

4. Do not resent growing old. Many are denied the privilege.

5. There are only two kinds of people in the world. The Irish and those who wish they were.

I will be taking a break from Five on Friday for the next few weeks of summer holidays. Till then, may the road rise up to meet you and the wind be always at your back.


Kathleen M. Pike, PhD

Kathleen M. Pike, PhD

Kathleen M. Pike, PhD is Professor of Psychology and Director of the Global Mental Health WHO Collaborating Centre at Columbia University.

Recent Posts
  • Time to Take a Break!
  • All Too Well
  • Women’s World Cup and Mental Health
  • Summer Reading 2023
  • The Dining Room Table
  • July 4th for Mental Health
  • June is PRIDE Month
This website is using Google Analytics. Please click here if you want to opt-out. Click here to opt-out.

Subscribe to receive Five on Friday in your email inbox.