Category Archives: ideals

The great use of life is to spend it for something that will outlast it.

The great use of life is to spend it for something that will outlast it. – William James What does that mean? What do we do with our lives? Yes, we eat and work and sleep and play, but when … Continue reading

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It is not titles that honor men, but men that honor titles

It is not titles that honor men, but men that honor titles. – Niccolò Machiavelli What does that mean? Think about it for a moment. When you are given a title or an award, is that thing honoring you? Or would it … Continue reading

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You have enemies? Good. That means you’ve stood up for something, sometime in your life

You have enemies? Good. That means you’ve stood up for something, sometime in your life. – Winston Churchill What does that mean? This quote is about enemies, and one of the ways you accumulate them. Specifically, this quote talks about getting enemies … Continue reading

Posted in belief, courage, ideals, listening, passion, reflection | Tagged , , , , | 30 Comments

The worst form of inequality is to try to make unequal things equal

The worst form of inequality is to try to make unequal things equal. – Aristotle What does that mean? For those who never had two or more dogs, this might not make much sense. But if you ever had more … Continue reading

Posted in beauty, effort, friendship, ideals, integrity, sympathy | Tagged , , , , | 23 Comments

It is my hope that the twenty-first century will be a century when a more caring, responsible, and compassionate humanity will emerge

It is my hope that the twenty-first century will be a century when a more caring, responsible, and compassionate humanity will emerge. – Dalai Lama What does that mean? As we start a New Year, it’s a great time to renew … Continue reading

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None are more taken in by flattery than the proud, who wish to be the first and are not

None are more taken in by flattery than the proud, who wish to be the first and are not. – Baruch Spinoza What does that mean? This quote talks about flattery and why it works better on some people than on others. … Continue reading

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To see the right and not to do it is cowardice

To see the right and not to do it is cowardice. ~ Confucius What does that mean? To me, this quote sounds a little clunky. I presume it has to do with how and when it was translated. I would … Continue reading

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All men are prepared to accomplish the incredible if their ideals are threatened.

All men are prepared to accomplish the incredible if their ideals are threatened. – Maya Angelou What does that mean? Maya was part of the American Civil Rights movement, and that may help cast some light on what is being said in … Continue reading

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Disciplining yourself to do what you know is right and important, although difficult, is the highroad to pride, self-esteem, and personal satisfaction.

Disciplining yourself to do what you know is right and importance, although difficult, is the highroad to pride, self-esteem, and personal satisfaction. – Margaret Thatcher What does that mean? To my ears, there is an “of” missing before “importance,” so … Continue reading

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Beauty is a short-lived tyranny.

Beauty is a short-lived tyranny. – Socrates What does that mean? In the age of Botox and plastic surgery, Beauty can be a much longer-lived tyranny than Socrates first believed. 8) This saying is particularly interesting to me, as I … Continue reading

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Peace and friendship with all mankind is our wisest policy, and I wish we may be permitted to pursue it.

Peace and friendship with all mankind is our wisest policy, and I wish we may be permitted to pursue it. – Thomas Jefferson What does that mean? To me, it speaks of the losses of war.  In a war, no … Continue reading

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