Tag Archives: @OprahsQuotes

Learning without thought is labor lost; thought without learning is perilous.

Learning without thought is labor lost; thought without learning is perilous. – Confucius What does that mean? This quote is about the synergy between knowledge and ideas of how to do things. Learning brings knowledge. Thought brings ideas of how … Continue reading

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Silence is safer than speech.

Silence is safer than speech. – Epictetus What does that mean? The longer version of the quote says “Silence is safer than speech; refrain from saying what shall be void of sense and open to blame.” Speaking when no speech … Continue reading

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To the wise, life is a problem; to the fool, a solution.

To the wise, life is a problem; to the fool, a solution. – Marcus Aurelius What does that mean? To me, and my understanding of Stoicism, a closer translation of problem might well be puzzle or challenge. Stoics take the … 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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The only cure for vanity is laughter, and the only fault that is laughable is vanity.

The only cure for vanity is laughter, and the only fault that is laughable is vanity. – Henri Bergson What does that mean? Taking this quote from the second half, the quote says the only fault which is laughable, or … Continue reading

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Only the guy who isn’t rowing has time to rock the boat.

Only the guy who isn’t rowing has time to rock the boat. – Jean-Paul Sartre What does that mean? If you have ever rowed a boat, you know it’s a pretty intense job. Even something as simple as paddling a canoe … Continue reading

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Reading furnishes the mind only with materials of knowledge; it is thinking that makes what we read ours.

Reading furnishes the mind only with materials of knowledge; it is thinking that makes what we read ours. – John Locke What does that mean? The longer, twitter unfriendly version is as follows: This is that which I think great readers are … Continue reading

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If you look into your own heart, and you find nothing wrong there, what is there to worry about? What is there to fear?

If you look into your own heart, and you find nothing wrong there, what is there to worry about? What is there to fear? – Confucius What does that mean? To me, this quote isn’t about the fear of a tiger eating … 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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In everything truth surpasses the imitation and copy.

In everything truth surpasses the imitation and copy. – Cicero What does that mean? I’m not an expert in how Latin is translated, and I was unable to find the exact source of the quote, so I’m going to have … Continue reading

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If you want the present to be different from the past, study the past.

If you want the present to be different from the past, study the past. – Spinoza What does that mean? There are plenty of ways to look at this quote, but at the heart of it is a simple thought. Learn … 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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There is nothing in the world so much admired as a man who knows how to bear unhappiness with courage.

There is nothing in the world so much admired as a man who knows how to bear unhappiness with courage. – Seneca What does that mean? This quote is about what the author of the quote thinks is one of the … Continue reading

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One crime has to be concealed by another.

One crime has to be concealed by another. – Seneca What does that mean? This is a quote about actions and their consequences. When you do something wrong, it doesn’t just go away. It doesn’t disappear or otherwise hide, unless … Continue reading

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The good things of prosperity are to be wished; but the good things that belong to adversity are to be admired.

The good things of prosperity are to be wished; but the good things that belong to adversity are to be admired. –  Seneca What does that mean? To me, this quote is about our focus and about what is truly … Continue reading

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