Category Archives: observation

It is not the answer that enlightens, but the question.

It is not the answer that enlightens, but the question. – Eugène Ionesco What does that mean? This is an interesting quote in that it turns a few things around from the usual way we think of them. The quote says … Continue reading

Posted in clarity, focus, knowledge, observation, question, thinking | Tagged , , , , | 3 Comments

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

When you have eliminated the impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth.

When you have eliminated the impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth. – Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, stated by Sherlock Holmes What does that mean? To me, this is all about logic. If you start with everything you … Continue reading

Posted in clarity, discovery, observation, question, thinking, truth | Tagged , , , , | 12 Comments

When I work fourteen hours a day, seven days a week, I get lucky.

When I work fourteen hours a day, seven days a week, I get lucky. – Armand Hammer What does that mean? While the exact circumstance of the quote is unknown to me, the work ethic of Armand and his brothers. That is well known to many. As the quote says, he worked very long … Continue reading

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Whenever I meet someone I try to look for their positive qualities, which immediately gives me a feeling of connectedness with them.

Whenever I meet someone I try to look for their positive qualities, which immediately gives me a feeling of connectedness with them.– Dalai Lama What does that mean? When you meet someone, either a new person, or a person you have … Continue reading

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I’m not interested in preserving the status quo; I want to overthrow it.

I’m not interested in preserving the status quo; I want to overthrow it.– Niccolò Machiavelli What does that mean? This is a famous misquote, but an interesting one none the less. In his day, and in his trade, change was necessary … Continue reading

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The shoe that fits one person pinches another; there is no recipe for living that suits all cases.

The shoe that fits one person pinches another; there is no recipe for living that suits all cases. – Carl Jung What does that mean? Let’s face facts. One size most emphatically does not fit all! I’ve known that my … Continue reading

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Every person takes the limits of their own field of vision for the limits of the world.

Every person takes the limits of their own field of vision for the limits of the world. – Arthur Schopenhauer What does that mean? We all have our limits. For some, their limit is in the seeing, for others, it’s … Continue reading

Posted in belief, doing, observation, thinking, truth, vision | Tagged , , , , | 4 Comments

Life is a tragedy when seen in close-up, but a comedy in long-shot.

Life is a tragedy when seen in close-up, but a comedy in long-shot. – Charlie Chaplin What does that mean? As this quote is from a movie star, the term close-up means the camera (and therefore, the observer) is close to … Continue reading

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Life is like a game of cards. The hand that is dealt you represents determinism; the way you play it is free will.

Life is like a game of cards. The hand that is dealt you represents determinism; the way you play it is free will. – Jawaharlal Nehru What does that mean? This is an interesting quote, in that it attempts to … Continue reading

Posted in creativity, focus, innovation, observation, repetition, success | Tagged , , , , | 4 Comments

He who deliberates fully before taking a step will spend his entire life on one leg.

He who deliberates fully before taking a step will spend his entire life on one leg. – Chinese Proverb What does that mean? The quote opens by considering someone who spends the time to fully deliberate all possible outcomes and … 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

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Before all else, be armed.

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

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

and this is a common failing of mankind, never to anticipate a storm when the sea is calm.

(and this is a common failing of mankind, never to anticipate a storm when the sea is calm) –  Niccolò Machiavelli What does that mean? This is a neat quote, as it is literally a parenthetical note at the end of a … Continue reading

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