Category Archives: belief

We need values based on common sense, experience and scientific findings, what I refer to as secular ethics.

We need values based on common sense, experience and scientific findings, what I refer to as secular ethics. – Dalai Lama What does that mean? This is an interesting quote, coming from a person considered very spiritual. It is the practical … Continue reading

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No man was ever wise by chance.

No man was ever wise by chance. – Seneca What does that mean? Another brutally short and compact quote. I guess he expected people would have to chisel it into stone or something. But seriously, I always like a quote … Continue reading

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The challenge today is to convince people of the value of truth, honesty, compassion and a concern for others.

The challenge today is to convince people of the value of truth, honesty, compassion and a concern for others. –Dalai Lama What does that mean? This, sadly, is true far too often. Yes, there are stand-up people out there, those … Continue reading

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If you want change, create the causes.

If you want change, create the causes. – Dalai Lama What does that mean? This is another of those ‘Doh!’ kind of quotes. It is so simple and so obvious, you wonder why you didn’t think of it first. But that makes … Continue reading

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Use your human intelligence in the best way you can; transform your emotions in a positive way.

Use your human intelligence in the best way you can; transform your emotions in a positive way. – Dalai Lama What does that mean? We all have a level of intelligence which we can use to change our nature and our attitudes. … Continue reading

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If we have peace of mind, we’ll always feel happy. Deceiving ourselves that money is the source of happiness, we won’t.

If we have peace of mind, we’ll always feel happy. Deceiving ourselves that money is the source of happiness, we won’t. – Dalai Lama What does that mean? This quote is specifically about the relationship between happiness and peace of mind. In … Continue reading

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Progress is impossible without change, and those who cannot change their minds cannot change anything.

Progress is impossible without change, and those who cannot change their minds cannot change anything. – George Bernard Shaw What does that mean? This quote is about the one certain thing in life; change. Change will happen. The question is … Continue reading

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We must believe that we are gifted for something and that this thing must be attained.

We must believe that we are gifted for something and that this thing must be attained. – Marie Curie What does that mean? This is another quote which has been abbreviated due to the constraints of Twitter. A more complete version … Continue reading

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Success is liking yourself, liking what you do, and liking how you do it.

Success is liking yourself, liking what you do, and liking how you do it. – Maya Angelou What does that mean? We all have days when we like ourselves, and then there are days when we don’t. But if, on average, we … Continue reading

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In dreams and in love there are no impossibilities.

In dreams and in love there are no impossibilities. – János Arany What does that mean? This quote is from a poet and writer of ballads in Hungary in the 1800s. Given the way poets tend to write things, this makes perfect … Continue reading

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If you desire to be good, begin by believing that you are wicked.

If you desire to be good, begin by believing that you are wicked. – Epictetus What does that mean? This is an interesting way of putting forward the question. How would you find ways to become better if you didn’t think you … Continue reading

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I shall never be ashamed of citing a bad author if the line is good.

I shall never be ashamed of citing a bad author if the line is good. – Seneca What does that mean? This is a variant translation of a longer quote, which talks about being the bearer of bad news, and his … Continue reading

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We are more often frightened than hurt: and we suffer more from imagination than from reality.

We are more often frightened than hurt: and we suffer more from imagination than from reality. – Seneca What does that mean? Given that this is October, and the scariest night of the year is just a few weeks away, this is … Continue reading

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You have power over your mind – not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength.

You have power over your mind – not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength. – Marcus Aurelius What does that mean? This quote is about finding a fundamental truth of life. While many quotes focus on happiness coming … Continue reading

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You must decide what it is you believe in and take steps towards achieving it and creating the universe and world you want to see.

You must decide what it is you believe in and take steps towards achieving it and creating the universe and world you want to see. – Forest Whitaker What does that mean? This is a bit of a departure from the norm, … Continue reading

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