Etymology

a-lert-ness n 1: the state of being watchful and prompt to meet danger or an emergency 2: being quick to perceive and act 3: being in a state of readiness.

In sixteenth-century Italy, the military call, "Alla erta!" meant "To the lookout!" The French adapted this command as á l` airte, which later became its own word: allerte. It is from this form that the English word alert is derived.

1. What is the difference between alertness beyond my jurisdiction and nosiness in the affairs of others?
2. Do you suppose a person automatically thinks of all the right things to do in an emergency? How does a person train himself or herself to consider all the possible ramifications in a crisis?
3. What are some of your personal interests? How do these affect your alertness
4. To what areas of responsibility or to what people in your life do you want to be more alert? How might you give these a higher priority rating by your actions today?
5. When do you take time to think about the lessons of each day? How can you make your review time more focused and fruitful?