Category Archives: self improvement

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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Every path has its puddle.

Every path has its puddle. – English Proverb What does that mean? To me, this is a fairly good represen-tation of life in general. We all travel down our path. We often come to forks or intersections among the paths. … Continue reading

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Two things define you: Your patience when you have nothing and your attitude when you have everything.

Two things define you: Your patience when you have nothing and your attitude when you have everything. – Unknown What does that mean? That is the real question of life, isn’t it? “Who are you?” How are you defined and how … Continue reading

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It has been my observation that most people get ahead during the time that others waste.

It has been my observation that most people get ahead during the time that others waste. – Henry Ford What does that mean? This quote, as one might expect from one of the foremost industrialists of his era, is about work. Specifically … Continue reading

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I will not be concerned at other men’s not knowing me; I will be concerned at my own want of ability.

I will not be concerned at other men’s not knowing me; I will be concerned at my own want of ability. – Confucius What does that mean? This is an interesting quote, as it discusses our want, or lack, of ability. … Continue reading

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Don’t wait for something big to occur. Start where you are with what you have and that will lead you into something greater.

Don’t wait for something big to occur. Start where you are with what you have and that will lead you into something greater. – Mary Manin Morrissey What does that mean? While there is some baggage associated with the author of … Continue reading

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We must learn to live together as brothers or perish together as fools.

We must learn to live together as brothers or perish together as fools. – Martin Luther King, Jr What does that mean? This quote is about the totality of humanity. While it was spoken specifically about the racial divide then present … Continue reading

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It is not enough to have a good mind, the main thing is to use it well.

It is not enough to have a good mind, the main thing is to use it well. – René Descartes What does that mean? This is a quote from the same guy who said that because he thought, he was (that he … Continue reading

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Placing all our hope on material development is clearly mistaken; the ultimate source of happiness is within us.

Placing all our hope on material development is clearly mistaken; the ultimate source of happiness is within us. – Dalai Lama What does that mean? This is the age old statement, that our happiness is to be found not in the … Continue reading

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If we can cultivate a concern for others, keeping in mind the oneness of humanity, we can build a more compassionate world.

If we can cultivate a concern for others, keeping in mind the oneness of humanity, we can build a more compassionate world. – Dalai Lama What does that mean? This quote is about how we might build a more compassionate world. … Continue reading

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We need material development, but we need to understand that by itself it doesn’t bring peace of mind.

We need material development, but we need to understand that by itself it doesn’t bring peace of mind. – Dalai Lama What does that mean? This is an interesting quote. Given the person speaking it, one usually presumes that there will be a … Continue reading

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To change and to improve are two different things.

To change and to improve are two different things. – German Proverb What does that mean? There are many important distinctions in life, and this is one of the more important ones. Being dissatisfied with something or some aspect of … Continue reading

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Just as we encourage physical hygiene to preserve our health, we also need a sense of emotional or mental hygiene too.

Just as we encourage physical hygiene to preserve our health, we also need a sense of emotional or mental hygiene too. – Dalai Lama What does that mean? Do you wash your hands before eating, or do you enjoy putting germs from … Continue reading

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No evil propensity of the human heart is so powerful that it may not be subdued by discipline.

No evil propensity of the human heart is so powerful that it may not be subdued by discipline. – Seneca What does that mean? This quote is about the end of excuses. “I couldn’t help myself.” Or “I knew it was … Continue reading

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