Tag Archives: @PhilosophyQuotz

Rightly defined philosophy is simply the love of wisdom.

Posted on 8 October 2013 by philosiblog

Rightly defined philosophy is simply the love of wisdom. – Cicero What does that mean? This quote is about the motivation and underlying reason why people pursue philosophy. And, quite simply, it is, as the quote says, the simple love of wisdom. … Continue reading →

Posted in habits, improve, judgement, love, understanding, wisdom | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

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

Posted on 25 September 2013 by philosiblog

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 →

Posted in belief, choice, decision, strength, thinking, value | Tagged , , , , | 10 Comments

Friendship improves happiness and abates misery, by the doubling of our joy and the dividing of our grief.

Posted on 28 March 2013 by philosiblog

Friendship improves happiness and abates misery, by the doubling of our joy and the dividing of our grief. – Cicero What does that mean? This quote is attributed both to Cicero and as a Swedish Proverb. Not sure how those go together, … Continue reading →

Posted in compassion, friendship, happiness, inspire, struggle, understanding | Tagged , , , , | 3 Comments

Where the willingness is great, the difficulties cannot be great

Posted on 14 January 2012 by philosiblog

Where the willingness is great, the difficulties cannot be great. – Niccolò Machiavelli What does that mean? To me, the first part of the quote is the essence of enthusiasm. If you are ready, willing and able, nothing will be able to … Continue reading →

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Knowledge which is divorced from justice, may be called cunning rather than wisdom

Posted on 29 December 2011 by philosiblog

Knowledge which is divorced from justice, may be called cunning rather than wisdom. – Cicero What does that mean? In this quote, I believe he is talking about the fact that knowledge doesn’t have morals built into it. Fire can … Continue reading →

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There is no surer sign of decay in a country than to see the rites of religion held in contempt

Posted on 24 December 2011 by philosiblog

There is no surer sign of decay in a country than to see the rites of religion held in contempt. – Niccolò Machiavelli What does that mean? Without going deep into the history of the Italian Renaissance City State era, the quote … Continue reading →

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The wise man does at once what the fool does finally

Posted on 3 December 2011 by philosiblog

The wise man does at once what the fool does finally. – Niccolò Machiavelli What does that mean? This is another bit of advice to the ‘Princes’ of Italy in the city-state era. Here he talks of decisiveness and wisdom. The … Continue reading →

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We cannot attribute to fortune or virtue that which is achieved without either

Posted on 26 November 2011 by philosiblog

We cannot attribute to fortune or virtue that which is achieved without either.– Niccolò Machiavelli What does that mean? The quote is saying that if you have had a stroke of luck, and ended up in an advantageous position, it’s fair … Continue reading →

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One change always leaves the way open for the establishment of others

Posted on 29 October 2011 by philosiblog

One change always leaves the way open for the establishment of others. – Niccolò Machiavelli What does that mean? While this quote is almost certainly about political change, and how a ruler might use this to their advantage, I believe … Continue reading →

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The first method for estimating the intelligence of a ruler is to look at the men he has around him.

Posted on 22 October 2011 by philosiblog

The first method for estimating the intelligence of a ruler is to look at the men he has around him. – Niccolò Machiavelli What does that mean? What kind of people does a leader surround themselves with? Is it a bunch … Continue reading →

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If you would judge, understand.

Posted on 8 October 2011 by philosiblog

If you would judge, understand. – Seneca What does that mean? I would expand this slightly to state “If you would judge, first you must understand.” I don’t know if he was carving all his quotes into stone, or if … Continue reading →

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