Category Archives: judgement

It’s not the events of our lives that shape us, but our beliefs as to what those events mean.

It’s not the events of our lives that shape us, but our beliefs as to what those events mean. – Tony Robbins and here What does that mean? This is an interesting quote, as it seems contrary to our intuition at first glance. … Continue reading

Posted in belief, choice, emotion, focus, judgement, self knowledge | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

Many have dreamed up republics and principalities which have never in truth been known to exist…

Many have dreamed up republics and principalities which have never in truth been known to exist… – Niccolò Machiavelli What does that mean? This is a Twitter friendly shortening of a fairly long quote: “Many have dreamed up republics and principalities … Continue reading

Posted in adaptation, flexibility, ideals, judgement, limits, understanding | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

There are two methods of fighting, the one by law, the other by force: the first method is that of men, the second of beasts.

There are two methods of fighting, the one by law, the other by force: the first method is that of men, the second of beasts. – Niccolò Machiavelli What does that mean? This is another Twitter-friendly quote. The more complete version is … Continue reading

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One thing you can give and still keep is your word.

One thing you can give and still keep is your word. – Unknown What does that mean? This quote would make an excellent riddle, worthy even of the Sphinx. But the focus of this quote is on the giving of your … Continue reading

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The quickest way to become troubled is to be concerned with what people are gonna say about your life and your work.

The quickest way to become troubled is to be concerned with what people are gonna say about your life and your work. – Ahmad Jamal What does that mean? This is another way of saying that you can’t please all the … Continue reading

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The new ruler must determine all the injuries that he will need to inflict. He must inflict them once and for all.

The new ruler must determine all the injuries that he will need to inflict. He must inflict them once and for all. – Niccolò Machiavelli What does that mean? This is the classic “pull off the bandage” issue. Do you pull it … Continue reading

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Unbiased love is undoubtedly difficult to generate, but if you practice with determination, day by day your attitude will be transformed.

Unbiased love is undoubtedly difficult to generate, but if you practice with determination, day by day your attitude will be transformed. – Dalai Lama What does that mean? Unbiased love, that’s an interesting term, isn’t it? Why would the word ‘love’ need … Continue reading

Posted in curious, honest, judgement, love, observation, persistence | Tagged , | 1 Comment

The vulgar crowd always is taken by appearances, and the world consists chiefly of the vulgar.

The vulgar crowd always is taken by appearances, and the world consists chiefly of the vulgar. – Niccolò Machiavelli What does that mean? Here, the word ‘vulgar’ is used to imply a lack of refinement and sophistication in the people making up … Continue reading

Posted in caution, honest, judgement, patience, question, skepticism | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

The road to success is dotted with many tempting parking spaces.

The road to success is dotted with many tempting parking spaces. ― Will Rogers What does that mean? I like this quote, and am familiar with more than a few of the parking spaces it mentions. However, I try to … Continue reading

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Men are so simple and so much inclined to obey immediate needs that a deceiver will never lack victims for his deceptions.

Men are so simple and so much inclined to obey immediate needs that a deceiver will never lack victims for his deceptions. – Niccolò Machiavelli What does that mean? In this statement to the Princes of Renaissance Italy, the point is that … Continue reading

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Experience is the name everyone gives to their mistakes.

Experience is the name everyone gives to their mistakes. – Oscar Wilde What does that mean? This quote is also listed in several places as “Experience is simply the name we give our mistakes.” So, what do you call your … Continue reading

Posted in chocolate, failure, judgement, observation, question, thinking | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

Impossible is not a declaration. It’s a dare. Impossible is potential. Impossible is temporary. Impossible is nothing.

Impossible is not a declaration. It’s a dare. Impossible is potential. Impossible is temporary. Impossible is nothing. – Muhammad Ali What does that mean? This is another famously shortened-for-twitter quote. The full quote is as follows: “Impossible is just a big word … Continue reading

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It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it.

It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it. – Aristotle What does that mean? I’m not sure ‘educated’ is the word I would use (it might be an artifact of the … Continue reading

Posted in belief, contemplation, judgement, question, skepticism, thinking | Tagged , , , , | 25 Comments

In order to use human intelligence properly our mind should be calm.

In order to use human intelligence properly our mind should be calm. – Dalai Lama What does that mean? This quote is fairly straight forward. We humans are a fairly clever lot. We are intelligent and can do a great … Continue reading

Posted in calm, clarity, emotion, intelligence, judgement, struggle | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

There is no avoiding war; it can only be postponed to the advantage of others.

There is no avoiding war; it can only be postponed to the advantage of others.– Niccolò Machiavelli What does that mean? At the time of the quote, there was a state of tension and often open warfare between any number the … Continue reading

Posted in delay, judgement, observation, opposition, procrastination, weakness | Tagged , , , , | 3 Comments