Idealistic as it may sound, altruism should be the driving force in business, not just competition and a desire for wealth. – Dalai Lama What does that mean? Let’s start with a definition of altruism. From dictionary.com, we get “the principle or practice of unselfish concern for the welfare of others.” But how does this…
Half a loaf is better than no bread. – English Proverb What does that mean? Sometimes we want it all. Sometimes we just don’t want to compromise. Sometimes we won’t take no for an answer. And we risk losing it all. This quote is about being sensitive to the situation. There will be times when…
The world cares very little about what a man or woman knows; it is what a man or woman is able to do that counts. – Virgil What does that mean? To me, this quote is about contribution. It does not matter what a person knows or does not know. It is, instead, about what…
I feel that each of us has the potential to make some contribution and together, working with a clear aim, we can change our world. – Dalai Lama What does that mean? To me, this is a great quote, and says quite a bit in just a few words. It starts by saying we all matter, we…
Human happiness depends on taking others into account. – Dalai Lama What does that mean? To me, this quote talks about two things at the same time. First, it addresses our personal happiness. It also addresses the happiness of all human-kind at the same time. I read this quote to say that our personal happiness, as a human…
Don’t blame others for your uneasy feelings; blame your own state of mind. This is why altruism brings you greater peace of mind. – Dalai Lama What does that mean? This is an interesting quote, as it hearkens back to the concept that unease, like happiness, comes from within. That’s not saying there are not things outside of you…
Altruism is not merely a religious ideal; it is an indispensable requirement for humanity at large. – Dalai Lama What does that mean? This quote reminds us that while altruism is associated with religious orders and organizations, it is an attitude and behavior for all of us. Even those who have no particular religious affiliation or tendencies. Altruism…
The sole source of peace in families, countries and the world is altruism – love and compassion. – Dalai Lama What does that mean? Altruism is an interesting word. According to TheFreeDictionary.com, it means “Unselfish concern for the welfare of others; selflessness.” So, this ‘altruism’ is supposed to be the source of peace not only in families,…
More important than being loved is to love. – Dalai Lama What does that mean? Loving, or the act of giving love away to another, is a very powerful force. Receiving love is also powerful, but it relies on others to act in a loving manner towards you. To me, this quote is all about the power…
Even a small experience of altruism brings a measure of mental peace right away. – Dalai Lama What does that mean? This quote is talking about the link between altruism and mental peace. It says that when you do nice things for other people, you tend to feel better about yourself. Part of what makes it work,…
If you focus only on yourself and neglect others, you will lose; but you will gain if you value others as much as you cherish yourself. – Dalai Lama What does that mean? This quote reminds me of the basic plot of the book ‘A Christmas Carol’ by English author Charles Dickens. At the beginning of that story,…
If we are optimistic, take a longer view, and we employ realistic methods, we can contribute to making the world a better place. – Dalai Lama What does that mean? This quote is all about improving the world in general. To me, that is one of our primary functions as the dominant species on the planet. Yes,…
Of all the properties which belong to honorable men, not one is so highly prized as that of character. – Henry Clay What does that mean? This quote is showing it’s age. I’d hate to have to do a sentence diagram of it. Let’s see if I can make it into slightly better English. “Honorable…
After the game, the king and the pawn go into the same box. – Italian Proverb What does that mean? In the literal sense, it means that when you’re done playing chess, all the pieces go back in the same box, no matter how lofty or lowly their position was in the game, no matter…
If the work is worthwhile, then whether we can complete it or not, it’s worth making the attempt. That’s why courage is important. – Dalai Lama What does that mean? World peace. The end of Hunger. The Cure for All Diseases. Noble causes each, but each of these will take generations to achieve (at the rate we…
