Category Archives: decision

When I let go of what I am, I become what I might be.

Posted on 19 July 2012 by philosiblog

When I let go of what I am, I become what I might be. – Lao Tzu What does that mean? I really like this quote. It talks about being stuck in the past. What you are now is based … Continue reading →

Posted in courage, decision, dream, persistence, potential, risk | Tagged , , , , | 25 Comments

A return to first principles in a Republic is sometimes caused by the simple virtues of one man.

Posted on 14 July 2012 by philosiblog

 A return to first principles in a Republic is sometimes caused by the simple virtues of one man. – Niccolò Machiavelli What does that mean? The more complete version of the quote is “A return to first principles in a Republic is … Continue reading →

Posted in character, decision, governance, leadership, setting an example, virtue | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

No man is happy who does not think himself so.

Posted on 10 July 2012 by philosiblog

No man is happy who does not think himself so. – Publius Syrus What does that mean? This quote, if worded as a question, makes a little more sense to me. It would be: “From whom do you need permission in order to feel … Continue reading →

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I always wanted to be somebody, but now I realize I should have been more specific.

Posted on 9 July 2012 by philosiblog

I always wanted to be somebody, but now I realize I should have been more specific. – Lily Tomlin What does that mean? As this is a quote from a comedienne, you expect it to be funny. However, there is, as with … Continue reading →

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The promise given was a necessity of the past: the word broken is a necessity of the present.

Posted on 7 July 2012 by philosiblog

The promise given was a necessity of the past: the word broken is a necessity of the present. – Niccolò Machiavelli What does that mean? This is a quote, once again, that was directed at a Prince or ruler of a City … Continue reading →

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What is not started today is never finished tomorrow.

Posted on 29 June 2012 by philosiblog

What is not started today is never finished tomorrow. – Johann Wolfgang von Goethe What does that mean? This is another quote about getting up off your rear end and getting busy. If you don’t start it today, when will you … Continue reading →

Posted in decision, discipline, focus, motivation, procrastination, self improvement | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

Commitment is an act, not a word.

Posted on 21 June 2012 by philosiblog

Commitment is an act, not a word. Jean-Paul Sartre What does that mean? To what are you committed? Really, really committed? The usual answers include your family, your friends, your system of beliefs, your values, even your country or your culture. … Continue reading →

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Wisdom consists in being able to distinguish among dangers and make a choice of the least harmful.

Posted on 8 June 2012 by philosiblog

Wisdom consists in being able to distinguish among dangers and make a choice of the least harmful. – Niccolò Machiavelli What does that mean? This may be another fake quote, as I have seen it attributed in many places, but cannot find … Continue reading →

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Where there is no law, but every man does what is right in his own eyes, there is the least of real liberty.

Posted on 2 May 2012 by philosiblog

Where there is no law, but every man does what is right in his own eyes, there is the least of real liberty. – Henry Martyn Robert What does that mean? This quote is from the guy who wrote Robert’s Rules … Continue reading →

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Indecision and delays are the parents of failure.

Posted on 11 April 2012 by philosiblog

Indecision and delays are the parents of failure. – George Canning What does that mean? Indecision and delays. These are the things that keep stuff from getting done. When you can’t make a decision, when you can’t act promptly, that’s what’s going to keep your project on the … Continue reading →

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He who wishes to be obeyed must know how to command.

Posted on 31 March 2012 by philosiblog

He who wishes to be obeyed must know how to command. – Niccolò Machiavelli What does that mean? This one got a chuckle out of me, as I have been on both sides of this quote. If you are expecting someone to … Continue reading →

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First say to yourself what you would be; and then do what you have to do.

Posted on 5 March 2012 by philosiblog

First say to yourself what you would be; and then do what you have to do. – Epictetus What does that mean? So how does one become something that they wish to be? According to the quote, the first step … Continue reading →

Posted in belief, clarity, decision, doing, knowledge, self improvement | Tagged , , , , | 5 Comments

Before all else, be armed.

Posted on 25 February 2012 by philosiblog

Before all else, be armed. – Niccolò Machiavelli What does that mean? In it’s original form, this quote was intended as advice to a ruler of a city-state. It meant to urge them to be prepared for armed conflict with another city-state, … Continue reading →

Posted in advice, decision, focus, observation, obstacles, preparation | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

Let us be of cheer, remembering that the misfortunes hardest to bear are those which never come

Posted on 9 February 2012 by philosiblog

Let us be of cheer, remembering that the misfortunes hardest to bear are those which never come. – Amy Lowell What does that mean? The quote starts on a high note, urging us to be ‘of cheer’ or happy. The reason why … Continue reading →

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Fear makes the wolf bigger than he is

Posted on 17 January 2012 by philosiblog

Fear makes the wolf bigger than he is. – German proverb What does that mean? To me, this quote is reminding us that our emotions are powerful, and can be used to help us or to hurt us. A wolf … Continue reading →

Posted in caution, courage, decision, fear, reflection, risk | Tagged , , , , | 4 Comments