Monthly Archives: March 2011

I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life and that is why I succeed.

I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life and that is why I succeed. – Michael Jordan What does that mean? This quote seems to imply the fruit of success grow from the ashes of failure.  How … Continue reading

Posted in discipline, failure, motivation, perseverance, struggle, success | Tagged , , , , | 4 Comments

A single question can be more influential than a thousand statements.

A single question can be more influential than a thousand statements. – Bo Bennett What does that mean? To me, it means that you can talk all you want.  All that does is reinforce what you already know, what you … Continue reading

Posted in belief, direction, imagination, judgement, procrastination, question | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

Either write something worth reading or do something worth writing about.

Either write something worth reading or do something worth writing about. – Benjamin Franklin What does that mean? To me, it means (paraphrasing here) “get up off the couch and make something of yourself” or something to that end.  Either … Continue reading

Posted in doing, exceptionalism, giving, inspire, potential, self resepct | Tagged , , , , | 4 Comments

Anger and intolerance are the enemies of correct understanding.

Anger and intolerance are the enemies of correct understanding. – Mohandas Gandhi What does that mean? While the term “correct under-standing” shows up repeatedly in Buddhist writings, I am told by a reliable source (a Zen Assistant-Priest) that the English … Continue reading

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The root of joy is gratefulness… For it is not joy that makes us grateful; it is gratitude that makes us joyful.

The root of joy is gratefulness… For it is not joy that makes us grateful; it is gratitude that makes us joyful. – Brother David Steindl-Rast What does that mean? To me, it means most people have it backwards.  We … Continue reading

Posted in contentment, focus, gratitude, happiness, observation, value | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

By desiring little, a poor man makes himself rich.

By desiring little, a poor man makes himself rich. – Democritus What does that mean? Once again, we start with a quote that has been translated from another language, and many liberties will be taken by this author as to … Continue reading

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Weakness of attitude becomes weakness of character.

Weakness of attitude becomes weakness of character. – Albert Einstein What does that mean? To me, this talks of acquiescence to greater and greater ills.  Weakness in attitude: attitude towards what?  The second half, speaking of character, points to the … Continue reading

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You won’t help shoots grow by pulling them up higher.

You won’t help shoots grow by pulling them up higher. – Chinese Proverb What does that mean? Shoots, being a term for young plants, need to grow to be useful.  So the sooner they grow tall, the sooner you get … Continue reading

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As for me, all I know is that I know nothing.

As for me, all I know is that I know nothing. – Socrates What does that mean? This is probably one of the most famous quotes in all the world, as it was the one that caused Socrates to be … Continue reading

Posted in discovery, growth, knowledge, question, thinking, wisdom | Tagged , , , , | 5 Comments

You can discover more about a person in an hour of play than in a year of conversation.

You can discover more about a person in an hour of play than in a year of conversation. – Plato What does that mean? I don’t know about you, but I don’t rush into friendships.  I tend to be guarded … Continue reading

Posted in character, communication, discovery, emotion, passion, play | Tagged , , , , | 7 Comments

For my part I know nothing with any certainty, but the sight of the stars makes me dream.

For my part I know nothing with any certainty, but the sight of the stars makes me dream. – Vincent Van Gogh What does that mean? What do you know with certainty?  Have you checked with Socrates about that? (that’s … Continue reading

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Its amazing what you can accomplish when you do not care who gets the credit.

Its amazing what you can accomplish when you do not care who gets the credit. – Harry S. Truman What does that mean? One of the things that seems to matter to important people, is the very status of being … Continue reading

Posted in accomplishment, cooperation, humility, money, opposition, pride | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

Fear is pain arising from the anticipation of evil.

Fear is pain arising from the anticipation of evil. – Aristotle What does that mean? Fear.  That’s a powerful word, if you let it be.  Think of the things you are afraid of.  Not all are “evil” in the classic … Continue reading

Posted in fear, focus, risk, struggle, weakness, worry | Tagged , , , , | 5 Comments

Never put off till tomorrow what you can do today.

Never put off till tomorrow what you can do today. – Thomas Jefferson What does that mean? This seemed like an appropriate saying to start things off with, as I am starting two full months behind schedule. I had initially … Continue reading

Posted in effort, habits, momentum, persistence, procrastination, repetition | Tagged , , , , | 11 Comments

Hello world!

Greetings and Welcome: This is something that has been percolating in my mind for some time, and, due to circumstances beyond my control, has finally happened.  This was supposed to start at the beginning of the new year, but… Here, … Continue reading

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