Monthly Archives: December 2011

If there’s no action, you haven’t truly decided

Posted on 16 December 2011 by philosiblog

If there’s no action, you haven’t truly decided. – Tony Robbins and here What does that mean? This is a Twitter-Friendly version of “Remember, a real decision is measured by the fact that you’ve taken new action. If there’s no action, you haven’t truly … Continue reading →

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If thy brother wrongs thee, remember not so much his wrong-doing, but more than ever that he is thy brother

Posted on 15 December 2011 by philosiblog

If thy brother wrongs thee, remember not so much his wrong-doing, but more than ever that he is thy brother. – Epictetus What does that mean? This is an old translation which I’d like to make sound a little more … Continue reading →

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None are more taken in by flattery than the proud, who wish to be the first and are not

Posted on 14 December 2011 by philosiblog

None are more taken in by flattery than the proud, who wish to be the first and are not. – Baruch Spinoza What does that mean? This quote talks about flattery and why it works better on some people than on others. … Continue reading →

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It is not enough to be busy. So are the ants. The question is: What are we busy about?

Posted on 13 December 2011 by philosiblog

It is not enough to be busy. So are the ants. The question is: What are we busy about? – Henry David Thoreau What does that mean? This quote is straight to the point. It says that being busy isn’t … Continue reading →

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The superior man is modest in his speech, but exceeds in his actions

Posted on 12 December 2011 by philosiblog

The superior man is modest in his speech, but exceeds in his actions. – Confucius What does that mean? This quote reminds me to be wary of the boastful and the prideful. These people are not modest in their speech. Some … Continue reading →

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We should not only cease our negative activities, but also the motivation that gives rise to them.

Posted on 11 December 2011 by philosiblog

We should not only cease our negative activities, but also the motivation that gives rise to them. – Dalai Lama What does that mean? We tend, from time to time, do things that aren’t the best for us, or for others. These … Continue reading →

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War is just when it is necessary; arms are permissible when there is no hope except in arms

Posted on 10 December 2011 by philosiblog

War is just when it is necessary; arms are permissible when there is no hope except in arms.– Niccolò Machiavelli What does that mean? I know this quote, and my explanation of it, will rub some the wrong way, but I … Continue reading →

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Men are not prisoners of fate, but only prisoners of their own minds

Posted on 9 December 2011 by philosiblog

Men are not prisoners of fate, but only prisoners of their own minds. – Franklin D. Roosevelt What does that mean? This quote is a denouncement of predestination. It says quite clearly that we are not prisoners of fate. We are not … Continue reading →

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The trouble with the world is that the stupid are cocksure and the intelligent are full of doubt

Posted on 8 December 2011 by philosiblog

The trouble with the world is that the stupid are cocksure and the intelligent are full of doubt. – Bertrand Russell What does that mean? This quote claims that the bulk of the difficulties in the world are caused by … Continue reading →

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As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them

Posted on 7 December 2011 by philosiblog

As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them. – John F. Kennedy What does that mean? This quote is about walking the walk. It’s about … Continue reading →

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One can acquire everything in solitude, except character

Posted on 6 December 2011 by philosiblog

One can acquire everything in solitude, except character. – Stendahl What does that mean? It means you can read books, you can meditate, you can pray, you can sing, you can learn to dance (solo) and you can practice all kinds … Continue reading →

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After your death you will be what you were before your birth

Posted on 5 December 2011 by philosiblog

After your death you will be what you were before your birth. – Arthur Schopenhauer What does that mean? This is one of the most logically true discussions of spirituality I am familiar with. It takes no position on what … Continue reading →

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Developing inner values is much like physical exercise. The more we train our abilities, the stronger they become.

Posted on 4 December 2011 by philosiblog

Developing inner values is much like physical exercise. The more we train our abilities, the stronger they become. – Dalai Lama What does that mean? Wow, you’d think he’d been reading my posts or something. I could go the route of … Continue reading →

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The wise man does at once what the fool does finally

Posted on 3 December 2011 by philosiblog

The wise man does at once what the fool does finally. – Niccolò Machiavelli What does that mean? This is another bit of advice to the ‘Princes’ of Italy in the city-state era. Here he talks of decisiveness and wisdom. The … Continue reading →

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No problem can withstand the assault of sustained thinking

Posted on 2 December 2011 by philosiblog

No problem can withstand the assault of sustained thinking. – Voltaire What does that mean? The preeminent trait of humankind is our ability to think. Yes, some other creatures can do some basic problem solving, but humans are still the … Continue reading →

Posted in action, creativity, flexibility, obstacles, preparation, thinking | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment