Category Archives: preparation

The minute a person whose word means a great deal to others dare to take the open-hearted and courageous way, many others follow.

The minute a person whose word means a great deal to others dare to take the open-hearted and courageous way, many others follow. – Marian Anderson What does that mean? This quote is about influence, and the courage to use … 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

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I declare to you that woman must not depend upon the protection of man, but must be taught to protect herself, and there I take my stand.

I declare to you that woman must not depend upon the protection of man, but must be taught to protect herself, and there I take my stand. – Susan B. Anthony What does that mean? While this quote is from a … Continue reading

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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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To understand your parents’ love you must raise children yourself

To understand your parents’ love you must raise children yourself. – Chinese Proverbs What does that mean? This will be a challenge to explain. If you have kids, you already know what the quote is talking about. If you don’t … Continue reading

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War is just when it is necessary; arms are permissible when there is no hope except in arms

War is just when it is necessary; arms are permissible when there is no hope except in arms.– Niccolò Machiavelli What does that mean? I know this quote, and my explanation of it, will rub some the wrong way, but I … Continue reading

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No problem can withstand the assault of sustained thinking

No problem can withstand the assault of sustained thinking. – Voltaire What does that mean? The preeminent trait of humankind is our ability to think. Yes, some other creatures can do some basic problem solving, but humans are still the … Continue reading

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We should not moor a ship with one anchor, or our life with one hope

We should not moor a ship with one anchor, or our life with one hope. – Epictetus What does that mean? Back in the days of this quote, almost everything about a ship was organic. Organic compounds and water are … Continue reading

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Many people take no care of their money till they come nearly to the end of it, and others do just the same with their time.

Many people take no care of their money till they come nearly to the end of it, and others do just the same with their time. – Goethe What does that mean? To me, this quote talks about preparation, planning, … Continue reading

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Constant exposure to dangers will breed contempt for them

Constant exposure to dangers will breed contempt for them. – Seneca What does that mean? I’m not exactly sure how the Latin was translated to English, but contempt presently means to treat with dislike and scorn. I would imagine that this … Continue reading

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Those that are most slow in making a promise are the most faithful in the performance of it

Those that are most slow in making a promise are the most faithful in the performance of it. – Rousseau What does that mean? To me, this is as much a cautionary statement as anything. It cautions us to be … Continue reading

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A ship is safe in harbour, but that’s not what ships are for.

A ship is safe in harbour, but that’s not what ships are for. – Grace Hopper (Rear Admiral, USN) – Also seen as attributed to William Shedd. What does that mean? Well, this one is fairly self explanatory. A ship may be safe … Continue reading

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Most people have the will to win, few have the will to prepare to win.

Most people have the will to win, few have the will to prepare to win. – Bobby Knight What does that mean? In sports, preparation is everything (with the possible exception of luck). You have to know your plays and plans … Continue reading

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Do the hard jobs first. The easy jobs will take care of themselves.

Do the hard jobs first. The easy jobs will take care of themselves. – Dale Carnegie What does that mean? This quote reminds me of the 80/20 rule – 80 percent of the tasks just take 20 percent of the … Continue reading

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Goals are the fuel in the furnace of achievement.

Goals are the fuel in the furnace of achievement. – Brian Tracy What does that mean? To me, this speaks of the mental image or picture that helps keep you moving until you achieve the end you had in mind.  … Continue reading

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