Category Archives: setting an example

There is no surer sign of decay in a country than to see the rites of religion held in contempt

There is no surer sign of decay in a country than to see the rites of religion held in contempt. – Niccolò Machiavelli What does that mean? Without going deep into the history of the Italian Renaissance City State era, the quote … Continue reading

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The things you do for yourself are gone when you are gone, but the things you do for others remain as your legacy

The things you do for yourself are gone when you are gone, but the things you do for others remain as your legacy. – Kalu Kalu (unable to find Bio info – anyone?) What does that mean? This quote talks … Continue reading

Posted in altruism, compassion, giving, humanitarianism, kindness, setting an example | Tagged , , , , | 3 Comments

The true hero is one who conquers his own anger and hatred

The true hero is one who conquers his own anger and hatred. – Dalai Lama What does that mean? This quote lauds those who can conquer their inner demons of anger and hatred. In doing so, the quote says that it is … Continue reading

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Even in a time of elephantine vanity and greed, one never has to look far to see the campfires of gentle people

Even in a time of elephantine vanity and greed, one never has to look far to see the campfires of gentle people. – Garrison Keillor What does that mean? Since I haven’t listened much to Mr Keillor, I will be taking … Continue reading

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If you use violence, you may get temporary satisfaction. But the nature of violence is unpredictable – it gives rise to unexpected results

If you use violence, you may get temporary satisfaction. But the nature of violence is unpredictable – it gives rise to unexpected results. – Dalai Lama What does that mean? To me, this is all about a short-term feel-good solution compared … Continue reading

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Everything around you that you call life was made up by people that were no smarter than you

“Life can be much broader once you discover one simple fact, and that is, everything around you that you call life was made up by people that were no smarter than you … the minute that you understand that you … Continue reading

Posted in accomplishment, contribution, creativity, imagination, originality, setting an example | Tagged , , , , | 11 Comments

Disturbing emotions not only disturb our own state of mind, they also disturb the minds of others.

Disturbing emotions not only disturb our own state of mind, they also disturb the minds of others. – Dalai Lama What does that mean? Our lives intersect the lives of others. When we are with others, if we have any empathy at … Continue reading

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There are two things a person should never be angry at; what they can help, and what they cannot

There are two things a person should never be angry at; what they can help, and what they cannot. – Plato What does that mean? This reminds me of the old saying “There are two kinds of people in this … 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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One can give without loving, but one cannot love without giving.

One can give without loving, but one cannot love without giving. – Amy Carmichael Similarly stated as “You can give without loving, but you can never love without giving.” to Robert Louis Stevenson. What does that mean? The first half … Continue reading

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A large part of mankind is angry not with the sins, but with the sinners.

A large part of mankind is angry not with the sins, but with the sinners. – Seneca What does that mean? To me, this speaks of the envy and bitterness that is part of the lives of so many people. They aren’t … Continue reading

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Do not want others to know…

Do not want others to know what you have done?  Better not have done it anyways. – Chinese Proverb What does that mean? Translations are such fun.  This saying almost sounds like a stereotypical movie character is saying it.  To … Continue reading

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The greatest conqueror is he who overcomes the enemy without a blow.

The greatest conqueror is he who overcomes the enemy without a blow. – Chinese Proverb Also: The supreme art of war is to subdue the enemy without fighting. – Sun Tzu And: To fight and conquer in all our battles is … 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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What happens to a man is less significant than what happens within him.

What happens to a man is less significant than what happens within him. – Louis L. Mann What does that mean? To me, it talks about the trials and tribulations that happen in life.  So much “stuff” happens to you.  Some … Continue reading

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