Caught in the fear that "I was headed for an inconsequential life of mediocrity," Baines began to study the writing of philosophers, thinkers, and prophets who seemed to have found a sense of purpose and peace. Through that reading, Baines identified characteristics common to all of them: focus, resilience, the desire to make a positive contribution, and the conscious decision to reserve quiet time for reflection. As he reflected on his reading, he concluded that these same characteristics also promote learning, and should be cultivated in the classroom.