Sir, – Justine McCarthy’s hopes and resolutions for 2025 are intriguing (“No manspreading or texting pedestrians in 2025, thank you”, Opinion & Analysis, December 27th). As New Year’s resolutions come hurtling towards us like guilt-ridden boomerangs, it is heartening to know that even history’s luminaries wrestled with self-improvement. Mark Twain saw them as mere paving stones for hell, while Benjamin Franklin tracked his with the dedication of a Fitbit enthusiast. Jonathan Swift resolved not to tell the same story twice-a noble goal, though it would leave Irish gatherings eerily quiet. Meanwhile, Woody Guthrie’s humble “Wash teeth if any” should inspire us all, and Marilyn Monroe’s dedication to acting class attendance puts the modern Zoom dropout to shame. Leonardo da Vinci, forever the overachiever, set his sights on “measuring the sun,” while JK Rowling reminded us to wear our scars as medals. In that spirit, I resolve not to give up my resolutions . . . at least until the second week of January, when I trust nobody will hold me accountable. – Yours, etc,
ENDA CULLEN,
Armagh.
Sir, – Now that the winter solstice has waned, can we resolve, as we spiral in infinity, to have no mention of New Year’s r*********s, guaranteeing a super boost to your mood, wallet and moral? Believe me, you’ll feel all be the better for just ambling along on the same old sunlit boreen rather than mithering yourself with unrealistic expectations. – Yours, etc,
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TOMÁS FINN,
Cappataggle,
Ballinasloe,
Co Galway.
Sir, – I’m totally persuaded by Justine McCarthy’s take on New Year resolutions. Enforce others to improve your world. Public transport users, especially on Dublin Bus, please take off the bulging backpack when moving through, exiting or getting on the bus. I’ve almost been bashed many times as the perpetrator makes a sudden swinging movement in my direction. I confess, I have been that sinner myself. Many years ago, as I was getting on a tram in San Francisco, the driver commanded that I “lose the parachute”. – Yours, etc,
NUALA GALLAGHER,
Dublin 15.