Category Archives: honest

Men judge generally more by the eye than by the hand

Men judge generally more by the eye than by the hand. – Niccolò Machiavelli What does that mean? This is another Twitter-shortened quote. The longer version is: “There is nothing more necessary to appear to have than this last quality (appearing to … Continue reading

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If you conduct your life on the basis of truth and honesty, it gives you a sense of satisfaction and self-confidence.

If you conduct your life on the basis of truth and honesty, it gives you a sense of satisfaction and self-confidence. – Dalai Lama What does that mean? Let’s start by looking at this from the other direction. What satisfaction do you … Continue reading

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For though we love both the truth and our friends, piety requires us to honor the truth first.

For though we love both the truth and our friends, piety requires us to honor the truth first. – Aristotle What does that mean? For the sake of this quote, we will use an alternate (and older) definition for piety, which normally … Continue reading

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One thing you can give and still keep is your word.

One thing you can give and still keep is your word. – Unknown What does that mean? This quote would make an excellent riddle, worthy even of the Sphinx. But the focus of this quote is on the giving of your … Continue reading

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It is seldom that liberty of any kind is lost all at once.

It is seldom that liberty of any kind is lost all at once. – David Hume What does that mean? This is a quote about small steps. Excepting the violent overthrow of a government, the erosion of liberty tends to … Continue reading

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I always wanted to be somebody, but now I realize I should have been more specific.

I always wanted to be somebody, but now I realize I should have been more specific. – Lily Tomlin What does that mean? As this is a quote from a comedienne, you expect it to be funny. However, there is, as with … Continue reading

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Commitment is an act, not a word.

Commitment is an act, not a word. Jean-Paul Sartre What does that mean? To what are you committed? Really, really committed? The usual answers include your family, your friends, your system of beliefs, your values, even your country or your culture. … Continue reading

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Sunshine all the time makes a desert.

Sunshine all the time makes a desert. – Arab Proverb What does that mean? This is a fairly straight forward quote. If all you have is sunshine, you’re going to have problems with plants life. Water, in the form of … Continue reading

Posted in calm, common sense, honest, moderation, perseverance, question | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

I may not be a first-rate composer, but I am a first-class second-rate composer.

I may not be a first-rate composer, but I am a first-class second-rate composer. – Richard Strauss What does that mean? That’s just a little harsh, but he was judging himself against such greats as the other Strauss family and … Continue reading

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A government which does not trust its citizens to be armed is not itself to be trusted.

A government which does not trust its citizens to be armed is not itself to be trusted. – Niccolò Machiavelli What does that mean? This appears to be another non-quote, as I cannot source it from any of the more reputable … Continue reading

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All faults may be forgiven of him who has perfect candor.

All faults may be forgiven of him who has perfect candor. – Walt Whitman What does that mean? I like this quote because it gives me hope. I have many faults, but I also try to strive for transparency and honesty. … Continue reading

Posted in contentment, courage, failure, fear, forgiveness, honest | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

Unbiased love is undoubtedly difficult to generate, but if you practice with determination, day by day your attitude will be transformed.

Unbiased love is undoubtedly difficult to generate, but if you practice with determination, day by day your attitude will be transformed. – Dalai Lama What does that mean? Unbiased love, that’s an interesting term, isn’t it? Why would the word ‘love’ need … Continue reading

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Everyone sees what you appear to be, few experience what you really are.

Everyone sees what you appear to be, few experience what you really are. – Niccolò Machiavelli What does that mean? While the translation I used wasn’t exactly the same, it’s close enough for what we are doing. This quote was from … Continue reading

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It isn’t the mountain ahead that wears you out; it’s the grain of sand in your shoe.

It isn’t the mountain ahead that wears you out; it’s the grain of sand in your shoe. – Robert W. Service What does that mean? Humans are odd creatures. They can endure some of the most incredible hardships with hardly a … Continue reading

Posted in attitude, belief, choice, exceptionalism, honest, perspective | Tagged , , , , | 10 Comments

The vulgar crowd always is taken by appearances, and the world consists chiefly of the vulgar.

The vulgar crowd always is taken by appearances, and the world consists chiefly of the vulgar. – Niccolò Machiavelli What does that mean? Here, the word ‘vulgar’ is used to imply a lack of refinement and sophistication in the people making up … Continue reading

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