The Return of the Rag Picker Ch 5

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Questions and Answers

What is considered the fifth and most important step to increasing longevity?

Practice altruism (correct)

Regular exercise three times a week

Avoiding drugs and alcohol

Using common sense in food choices

Which of the following substances is suggested to be completely avoided for better health?

Sugary snacks

Occasional wine

Smoking (correct)

Moderate caffeine

According to this chapter, how do individuals practicing altruism benefit internally?

They enhance their social networks

They reduce their physical pain

They improve their nutritional absorption

They experience a release of endorphins (correct)

What role does physical activity play in the guidelines provided for longevity?

A thirty-minute brisk walk is sufficient Signup and view all the answers

What is the perceived connection between volunteer work and mental health?

It is linked to reducing self-pity and depression Signup and view all the answers

What is the concept referred to as a 'helper's high'?

A pleasant physical sensation experienced from helping others Signup and view all the answers

What did Albert Schweitzer do for the last fifty years of his life?

Ran a hospital in the jungle for natives Signup and view all the answers

What was Simon's correspondence filled with that made Og feel old?

Unanswered mail piling up Signup and view all the answers

What item was included in the envelope sent to Og from Simon?

A safety pin holding a piece of rag Signup and view all the answers

What does Og believe is necessary to truly practice altruism?

Giving time and help without expecting any reward Signup and view all the answers

What milestone birthday did Simon celebrate with Og in Chicago?

Seventy-ninth Signup and view all the answers

What significant change in life expectancy is mentioned in the chapter?

More people are living to celebrate their seventieth birthday. Signup and view all the answers

What does Simon attribute to his long life?

Providing aid and comfort to others Signup and view all the answers

How does Og describe Simon's physical condition compared to the past?

He has maintained the same height and strength as before. Signup and view all the answers

What historical comparison does Simon make regarding life expectancy?

People born around the turn of the century could expect to live around forty years. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

The Meeting

The narrator, Mister Og, reunites with his old mentor, Simon Potter.
They haven’t seen each other in 15 years.
Simon is now 95 years old and still in good health.

Simon’s Secret to Longevity

Simon’s secret to a long life is altruism.
He believes helping others, especially on a volunteer basis, contributes to longevity.
Simon refers to those that help others as "ragpickers."

Simon's Life Work

Simon has spent his life helping people who have fallen on hard times.
He has rescued many lives from addiction and helped them find their true destinies.

Simon's Four Rules for a Longer Life

Use common sense when it comes to food, drugs, alcohol, and smoking.
Moderate exercise consistently, at least 3 times per week.
Avoid being a "couch potato."

Simon's Explanation for His Disappearance

Simon's sudden disappearance was due to an emergency situation.
He was the only “ragpicker” with the knowledge and experience to handle it.
Although the situation was successful, he feels it better for them to vanish than to face each other.

The "God Memorandum" and Simon's Influence

Simon gave Mister Og a package containing "The God Memorandum," a document with four secrets to success and happiness.
The letter also contained a "ragpicker’s amulet."
Mister Og believes he has benefitted from Simon's advice which influenced his life for many years.

The Greatest Miracle in the World

Mister Og wrote a book called "The Greatest Miracle in the World," which is still on the bestseller list.
The book contains "The God Memorandum."
Even the book had a mysterious disappearance connected with it, with the original file containing the “Memorandum” going missing.

Unanswered Questions

Simon remains elusive, even after their reunion, leaving Mister Og with more questions than answers.
It was a terrible time for Mister Og losing his mentor, leaving him with little explanation or farewell.

The Importance of John 4:48

Mister Og's answer for the source of inspiration for the book is always John 4:48 - “Then said Jesus unto him, Except ye see signs and wonders, ye will not believe”.

The Miracle of the Story

The entire story of Simon and Mister Og is considered a miracle, as it seems to have a deeply impactful meaning across many lives.

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Description

Explore the fascinating insights of Simon Potter, who attributes his remarkable longevity to altruism and a balanced lifestyle. Discover his four essential rules for a longer life and learn about his mission of helping others overcome challenges. This quiz delves into the significance of kindness and healthy habits through Simon's experiences.