Definitions: (1) to make better, to make progress; (2) to bring nearer to an ideal; (3) to improve, or make more tolerable a difficult situation <Providing food and water to the refugees ameliorated their suffering a bit.>; (4) able to soften sorrow with kindness; (5) able to staunch pain
Quote: Good, better, best. Never let it rest. ‘Til your good is better and your better is best. — St. Jerome (c. 342–347-420) Christian priest and historian
Comment: My mother said, “I had to make myself do it,” when she was talking about writing an article or speaking in public. We literally make our better self. The basics are all there: body, mind, options, personality, spirit, physical environment, revelation, identity, challenge, and – most of all – free will. We actually fashion our soul with our decisions, actions, and experiences. We have the power to become better than we are.