Dennis Prager's Lessons on Hope, Faith, and Resilience – and a Tribute

by Dave Gordon

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Prelude:

Dennis Prager is a hero and mentor to me. After seeing him speak in Indianapolis in 1997, I have followed his daily show and weekly columns. He has been highly influential, shaping my critical thinking skills, values, knowledge, and wisdom.

Born in 1948 in Brooklyn, Prager is known for his nationally syndicated talk show of 28 years, books on Judaism and social issues, conservative commentary, television appearances, and as the founder of PragerU. He has lectured worldwide on relationships, politics, Israel, happiness, and morals. I’ve interviewed him several times, including for Lifestyles, Breitbart, and the Jewish Independent.

Since 2013, I’ve conducted various research for Dennis's forthcoming books on relationships and “ultimate issues.” This has been the most meaningful and fulfilling work I’ve done in the past quarter-century. He has mentioned me and some of my research on air a few times.

Dennis took a serious fall in Nov., rendering him paralysed from the shoulders down. He’s been off the air since the accident.

For those wishing to include him in prayers, his Hebrew name is Shmuel Nehemia ben Hinda.

Though Dennis hasn’t written a column in fifteen weeks, based on what I know of his teachings, this is what I imagine he might write today:

Lessons on Hope and Happiness From a Hospital Bed

In the past 30 years, I haven’t missed a single weekly column except for the past 15 weeks. On November 12, 2024, a fall in my home caused a serious back injury that left me paralysed from the shoulder down, yet I have remained fully conscious. Lying on my hospital bed, I’ve pondered the truths I’ve spent decades teaching—lessons now tested in fire. To those facing illness, infirmity, or despair, here is what my accident has reaffirmed:

1. Happiness Is a Moral Obligation—Even Here

My book Happiness Is a Serious Problem argues that happiness is not a feeling but a duty – an active choice. From my hospital bed, I focus on what I have: my voice, my mind, and the love flooding in from strangers and friends alike. I decide not to dwell on the Missing Tile of whatever I would ordinarily be doing but rather enjoy the quiet miracles of each day.

2. Gratitude Is An Antidote to Unhappiness

“All happy people are grateful. Ungrateful people cannot be happy,” I’ve written. I’ve found gratitude in small mercies: skilled nurses and doctors, my wife’s hand in mine, and the dictation software that lets me write this. Complaining corrodes the soul; gratitude rebuilds it.

3. Faith Anchors When the Body Fails

When Charlie Kirk asked if I still believed in God, my “yes” was immediate. My accident was not God’s fault, and I do not blame God. Some have experienced more suffering, emotional trauma and personal hardship and still maintained their belief in God. I can only imagine there would be atheists who’d see no point in carrying on, but the God-fearing would know that every minute of life is infinitely precious.

4. Purpose Transcends Physical Limits

My good friend, the late Charles Krauthammer – with a spinal injury that left him paralysed from the neck down – showed that his accident did not stop him from writing three books and penning some 1,600 columns. If you are determined to bring light to the world, chances are there is a way past any challenge.