Monthly Archives: September 2011

Happiness is a choice that requires effort at times.

Happiness is a choice that requires effort at times. – Aeschylus What does that mean? From the Father of the Greek Tragedy, this is an interesting quote. He states that happiness is a choice. I believe this to be true. … Continue reading

Posted in attitude, choice, effort, emotion, habits, happiness | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

Be a good listener. Your ears will never get you in trouble.

Be a good listener. Your ears will never get you in trouble. – Frank Tyger What does that mean? This one has been said many times by many people. Two ears, one mouth; use in proper proportions. I’m fairly certain … Continue reading

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A ship is safe in harbour, but that’s not what ships are for.

A ship is safe in harbour, but that’s not what ships are for. – Grace Hopper (Rear Admiral, USN) – Also seen as attributed to William Shedd. What does that mean? Well, this one is fairly self explanatory. A ship may be safe … Continue reading

Posted in caution, effort, fear, preparation, risk, struggle | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

When it is obvious that the goals cannot be reached, don’t adjust the goals, adjust the action steps.

When it is obvious that the goals cannot be reached, don’t adjust the goals, adjust the action steps. – Confucius What does that mean? To me, this says when the going gets tough, don’t give up. The toughness is a … Continue reading

Posted in accomplishment, action, adaptation, goals, obstacles, strategy | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough.

You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough. – Mae West What does that mean? As the naughty vixen of the early talkies (movies with sound), she used this line as a calling card for … Continue reading

Posted in accomplishment, doing, effort, potential, procrastination, self knowledge | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

Today, when we face problems or disagreements, we have to arrive at solutions through dialogue.

Today, when we face problems or disagreements, we have to arrive at solutions through dialogue. – Dalai Lama What does that mean? This is a variation of “violence begets more violence” but is stated from the opposite direction. He is calling … Continue reading

Posted in anger, calm, cooperation, deception, desire, motivation, peace, question | Tagged , , , , , , | 2 Comments

A large part of mankind is angry not with the sins, but with the sinners.

A large part of mankind is angry not with the sins, but with the sinners. – Seneca What does that mean? To me, this speaks of the envy and bitterness that is part of the lives of so many people. They aren’t … Continue reading

Posted in anger, common sense, courage, education, governance, opposition, setting an example | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

Ordinary riches can be stolen; real riches cannot. In your soul are infinitely precious things that cannot be taken from you.

Ordinary riches can be stolen; real riches cannot. In your soul are infinitely precious things that cannot be taken from you. – Oscar Wilde What does that mean? Ordinary riches are the things we buy, keep, hoard, hide and treasure. … Continue reading

Posted in habits, leadership, optimism, passion, tolerance, virtue | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

If you hear a voice within you say “you cannot paint,” then by all means paint, and that voice will be silenced.

If you hear a voice within you say “you cannot paint,” then by all means paint, and that voice will be silenced. – Vincent Van Gogh What does that mean? This is similar to yesterday’s post, which dealt with fear. … Continue reading

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Do the thing you fear most and the death of fear is certain.

Do the thing you fear most and the death of fear is certain. – Mark Twain What does that mean? This quote is admonishing us to face our fears. And not just face them, but to do the very thing … Continue reading

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Copy from one, it’s plagiarism; copy from two, it’s research.

Copy from one, it’s plagiarism; copy from two, it’s research. ~ Wilson Mizner What does that mean? Also quoted as “If you steal from one author, it’s plagiarism; if you steal from many, it’s research.” and sometimes attributed to John Burke. … Continue reading

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Argue for your limitations, and sure enough they’re yours.

Argue for your limitations, and sure enough they’re yours. – Richard Bach What does that mean? Put another way, if you argue for your limitations, who will argue against you and against your limitations? Unless you have a full-time side-kick, … Continue reading

Posted in advice, attitude, belief, choice, decision, limits | Tagged , , , , | 9 Comments

Everyone can understand from natural experience and common sense that affection is crucial from the day of birth; it is the basis of life.

Everyone can understand from natural experience and common sense that affection is crucial from the day of birth; it is the basis of life. – Dalai Lama What does that mean? This one seems straight forward enough. He says that affection, the … Continue reading

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A happy life is one which is in accordance with its own nature.

A happy life is one which is in accordance with its own nature. – Seneca What does that mean? To me, that sounds a little clunky. I presume it has to do with how Latin references work, and how they are … Continue reading

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Arrogance is all about trying to prove yourself. Confidence is about improving yourself.

Arrogance is all about trying to prove yourself. Confidence is about improving yourself. – Sean Stephenson What does that mean? Well, it’s kind of self explanatory, isn’t it? If you have something to prove, then it’s all about you, and … Continue reading

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