Category Archives: reflection

It is not death that a man should fear, but he should fear never beginning to live.

It is not death that a man should fear, but he should fear never beginning to live. – Marcus Aurelius What does that mean? While this appears to be an interesting German to English translation, the core of the quote … Continue reading

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One kind word can warm three winter months.

One kind word can warm three winter months. – Japanese Proverb What does that mean? This quote, like many metaphors, has much to imply. Starting with the core of it, the one kind word. The one kind word is the … Continue reading

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Ability without honor is useless.

Ability without honor is useless. – Cicero What does that mean? A similar quote is attributed to Ralph Waldo Emerson, who said “Ability without honor has no value,” so it appears to be a popular thought. Ability, in this quote, … Continue reading

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Ab uno disce omnes. – From one, learn all.

Ab uno disce omnes. – From one, learn all. – Virgil What does that mean? This has usually been translated to mean that we would be well served to learn the general rule which governs most situations. We must also … Continue reading

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There is no hope unmingled with fear, and no fear unmingled with hope.

There is no hope unmingled with fear, and no fear unmingled with hope. – Spinoza What does that mean? To me, this quote describes the simple duality of the future. Hope and fear, they are the two sides of the … Continue reading

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Whether we follow a religious path or not, as human beings we all need affection.

Whether we follow a religious path or not, as human beings we all need affection. – Dalai Lama What does that mean? Even tough guys need a little affection. Sometimes very little, but they’ve got a soft spot somewhere. Even Hollywood … Continue reading

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About death: Whether it is a dispersion, or a resolution into atoms, or annihilation, it is either extinction or change.

About death: Whether it is a dispersion, or a resolution into atoms, or annihilation, it is either extinction or change. – Marcus Aurelius What does that mean? Well, that’s pretty straightforward. You either cease to exist, or you change into … Continue reading

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Half a loaf is better than no bread.

Half a loaf is better than no bread. – English Proverb What does that mean? Sometimes we want it all. Sometimes we just don’t want to compromise. Sometimes we won’t take no for an answer. And we risk losing it … Continue reading

Posted in altruism, cooperation, empathy, habits, kindness, patience, reflection, time | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

Drunkenness is nothing but voluntary madness.

Drunkenness is nothing but voluntary madness. – Seneca What does that mean? I think this is a great topic for the weekend, don’t you? We all have our issues and our troubles in life. For those who have an issue with … Continue reading

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All beings want to live in peace and happiness, undisturbed. Therefore the concept of human rights is universal.

All beings want to live in peace and happiness, undisturbed. Therefore the concept of human rights is universal. – Dalai Lama What does that mean? Unfortunately, the “all” needs the usual caveat about the people who aren’t quite normal, and … Continue reading

Posted in dignity, freedom, happiness, peace, reflection | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment

I want you to be everything that’s you, deep at the center of your being.

I want you to be everything that’s you, deep at the center of your being. – Confucius What does that mean? Ever feel like you should be doing something else? Ever feel like something inside of you desperately wants to … Continue reading

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Pride is pleasure arising from a man’s thinking too highly of himself.

Pride is pleasure arising from a man’s thinking too highly of himself. – Baruch Spinoza What does that mean? I have heard many definitions of the less-useful version of pride before, but I believe this one is about as short and sweet … Continue reading

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He who does not understand your silence will probably not understand your words.

He who does not understand your silence will probably not understand your words. – Elbert Hubbard What does that mean? Life isn’t just about talking. Sometimes, we just sit in silence. Sometimes it’s in the library, other times it is … Continue reading

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It ain’t bragging if you can back it up.

It ain’t bragging if you can back it up. – Dizzy Dean What does that mean? As there is pride, there is also confidence. And with pride, there can be a good and useful version of confidence, as well as an … Continue reading

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Open your mind, arms, and heart to new things and people. Ask the next person you see what their passion is, & share your passion with them.

Open your mind, arms, and heart to new things and people. Ask the next person you see what their passion is, & share your passion with them. – HOLSTEE What does that mean? As is so often the case, this Twitter-friendly quote … Continue reading

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