Associate with people who will improve you.

Posted on 1 March 2014 by philosiblog

Associate with people who will improve you. – Seneca

With whom do you associate? People who can help you improve? People you can help improve?

With whom do you associate? People who can help you improve, or you can help improve?

What does that mean?
As is so often the case, the quote has been shortened to fit within the confines of the structure allowed by Twitter. The longer version of the quote is:

“Withdraw into yourself, as far as you can. Associate with those who will make a better man of you. Welcome those whom you yourself can improve. The process is mutual; for men learn while they teach.”

This quote is about self improvement, and how one should best do so. It starts by pulling back from all the people who would fill your head with noise or un-useful information.

It then says to seek out and spend time with those who can help you. That might be your spiritual, physical, emotional, or intellectual side, but find them and spend time with them.

The longer quote ends by reminding us that life is a two way street. As they teach you, teach them something in return. It could also be interpreted as saying that the act of teaching helps the teacher improve.

Why is self-improvement important? Continue reading →

Posted in attitude, learning, motivation, personal growth, self improvement, time | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.

Posted on 28 February 2014 by philosiblog

No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted. – Aesop

Some jerk knocked all the bikes over. But someone (perhaps the photographer?) set them all straight and then left. No one will know that anything happened. But he will.

Some jerk knocked all the bikes over. But someone (perhaps the photographer?) set them all straight and then left. No one will know that anything happened. But he will. Kindness.

What does that mean?
This quote is from the famous story, The Lion and the Mouse, wherein a small Mouse, caught by the Lion, is released rather than eaten, as a kindness.

Later, the Mouse comes across the Lion, trapped in a net. The Mouse remembers the kindness done for him by the Lion, and chews through the ropes, freeing the Lion, and returning the kindness.

The moral of the story is held that there is no one so lowly that they cannot be of some use, and that none should be scorned for their lowly position or life.

That, in my opinion, still is true today. While most societies still have some forms of stratification, most people understand that kindness costs themselves little, and can be of great benefit to them when returned.

Why is kindness important? Continue reading →

Posted in action, caring, giving, help, kindness, setting an example | Tagged , , , , | Comments Off on No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.

Opportunity is a haughty goddess who wastes no time with those who are unprepared.

Posted on 27 February 2014 by philosiblog

Opportunity is a haughty goddess who wastes no time with those who are unprepared. – George S. Clason

Opportunity is rarely this obvious and straightforward. Be prepared. Be confident. Take action.

Opportunity is rarely this obvious. Be prepared. Be confident. Take action.

What does that mean?
This is a quote from a vintage book, which was published just before the Great Depression, called “The Richest Man In Babylon,” on page 14.

The book, initially a series of pamphlets, tell the story of a struggling man in Ancient Babylon. The story is of how one acquires and retains money, and one of the points is about opportunity.

This quote is about confidence, preparation, and action. A fisherman has to know where the fish are, and be prepared at each change of the wind, or opportunity will spurn them.

And that is the point (as well as the example) of the quote. Most opportunities are fleeting. There for a moment, and then gone. If you are unprepared, you will be left staring at it leaves.

Why is confidence important? Continue reading →

Posted in action, confidence, focus, money, preparation, time | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

The talk of the ignorant is like the rumblings which issue from the belly.

Posted on 26 February 2014 by philosiblog

The talk of the ignorant is like the rumblings which issue from the belly. – Demetrius the Cynic

Don't be afraid to speak, just know something about the topic, right?

Don’t be afraid to speak up, just know something about the topic, and all will be fine.

What does that mean?
I like this quote. It is one of the snarkier bits of Ancient Wisdom with which I have ever had the pleasure to be acquainted. Can you feel the burn?

I’m glad I wasn’t the target of this remark. It starts by giving us a point of reference, the talk coming from the ignorant, or ones lacking in knowledge. OK, what about them? That’s where it gets good.

He equates their talk with the rumblings from the stomach. Why is that snarky? When does your stomach make noise? For me, it only does that when it is empty. Is it that way for you?

Yep, I think he just called the under-educated empty in the head, unless I missed his point. And even if I did, I like my way quite a bit. True, it’s not very kind, but neither is the real world. Learn, don’t rumble.

Why is learning important? Continue reading →

Posted in foolish, knowledge, learning, strength, understanding, weakness | Tagged , , , , | Comments Off on The talk of the ignorant is like the rumblings which issue from the belly.

One thing that I don’t think my critics realize about me is that I’ve been trained to look adversity in the face.

Posted on 25 February 2014 by philosiblog

One thing that I don’t think my critics realize about me is that I’ve been trained to look adversity in the face. – Reggie White

Sometimes when you stare at adversity, it stares back. A nice thick piece of glass between you might help. 8)

Sometimes when you stare at adversity, it stares back at you. A nice thick piece of glass between you and adversity might help calm your nerves just a little bit. 8)

What does that mean?
I like this quote, and I also like the person who said it. This man played American Football for quite a few years, and was a very prominent defensive player.

He also knew adversity. When you play football, you get banged up. You play hurt. There are also a number of other people trying to take your job.

That was true in High School, College, and for 15 years in the NFL. And that’s just the games. There were also practices, workouts, and so much more.

We all have critics. The question is how good are you at handling adversity? It isn’t pleasant, but adversity in our lives make us stronger, and allow us to look other forms of adversity in the face, and not flinch or shrink away.

Why is strength important? Continue reading →

Posted in clarity, fear, habits, independence, strength, thinking | Tagged , , , , | Comments Off on One thing that I don’t think my critics realize about me is that I’ve been trained to look adversity in the face.

Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence.

Posted on 24 February 2014 by philosiblog

Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence. – Calvin Coolidge

Persistence, it worked when we were little. Why do we give up so easily now?

Persistence – it worked  so well when we were little. Why do we give up so easily now?

What does that mean?
This, as is frequently the case, is a Twitter-friendly excerpt. The more complete quote is as follows:

“Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent. The slogan “press on” has solved and always will solve the problems of the human race.”

This is, in my opinion, one of the strong suits of the human race. The other species don’t have enough free time to pursue an idea to fruition, as we so often do.

Whether it is finding a better way to separate metal from ore, or a more efficient way to quarry and move large blocks of stone, we just keep at it.

We solve these problems one small bit at a time, and pass that information to the next generation of problem-solvers. In this manner we work our way towards the solution, however slowly it may be.

Why is persistence and determination important? Continue reading →

Posted in accomplishment, curious, education, genius, persistence, talent | Tagged , , , , | Comments Off on Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence.

It’s harmful to employ technology fired by anger and hatred. It can only be beneficial if we’re motivated to seek the welfare of all beings.

Posted on 23 February 2014 by philosiblog

It’s harmful to employ technology fired by anger and hatred. It can only be beneficial if we’re motivated to seek the welfare of all beings. – Dalai Lama

When cell phone tech is used to find kidnapped kids, it is of great benefit.

We benefit when cell phone tech is used, like in an Amber Alert, to find kidnapped kids. It sure is a better use than using a cell phone to send out lies about someone you hate, right?

What does that mean?
To me, this is a very interesting quote, in that it pits our morals and values against the immense power and capability of our present-day technology.

And when our emotions are out of line, that power and capability can easily be used in a less that wonderful manner. And with today’s level of technology, that is a very scary thought.

The same rockets that can put satellite into orbit to broadcast TV, radio, and telephone signals all over the world can just as easily drop a nuke anywhere in the world.

That is why anger and hatred, when amplified by the power and capability of technology is so scary. And why we must do everything we can to keep the anger and hatred to a minimum and instead, seek to make the welfare of our fellow humans a priority.

Why is remaining calm and collected important? Continue reading →

Posted in anger, calm, caring, help, improve, motivation | Tagged , , , , | Comments Off on It’s harmful to employ technology fired by anger and hatred. It can only be beneficial if we’re motivated to seek the welfare of all beings.

Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity.

Posted on 22 February 2014 by philosiblog

Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity. – Seneca

In my culture, this is a way to hope for luck. Preparing, looking for the opportunity, and then taking action work better for me.

In my culture, this is a way to hope for luck. Preparing, looking for the opportunity, and then taking action work better for me. Does hope work for you or do you have another way?

What does that mean?
At best, this quote is a very loose translation of him quoting something said by someone else. However, despite its questionable pedigree,  I believe this is a worthy quote, so let’s examine it.

People like to say they got lucky. And sometimes, what happened was simply that, blind luck. In my experience, more often than not, it is something much more than that.

Preparation in anticipation of something happening is a big part of being lucky. If you are ready for something to happen, you know what to do the moment it shows up, right?

Similarly, we rarely know when something great is going to happen. But when it does, we can act. If opportunity doesn’t show up, we have potential, but when the opportunity presents itself, we have to be ready to act.

Why is action important? Continue reading →

Posted in action, fear, opportunity, plan, preparation, success | Tagged , , , , | 9 Comments

No person is free who is not master of himself.

Posted on 21 February 2014 by philosiblog

No person is free who is not master of himself. – Pythagoras

It is one thing to enjoy a party. But when the party controls you, it is too much.

It is one thing to enjoy a party. But when the party controls you, that is just too much.

What does that mean?
This quote is usually attributed to Epictetus, but found in works attributed to Pythagoras, and stated as: “None can be free who is a slave to, and ruled by, his passions.”

That makes the usual quote a little easier to understand. The mastery is of our emotions, our passions. If they rule those passions, they rule themself. Otherwise, the passion rules them.

And that is what this quote is about. It is a reminder to us to keep our passions, our overflowing emotions, under our control, lest we become a slave of these emotions.

Why is self-control important? Continue reading →

Posted in advice, decision, emotion, freedom, passion | Tagged , , , , , | 6 Comments

I want you to be everything that’s you, deep at the center of your being.

Posted on 20 February 2014 by philosiblog

I want you to be everything that’s you, deep at the center of your being. – Confucius

I love the feel of sand between my toes, and the constant sound of the waves breaking.

I love the feel of sand between my toes, and the constant sound of the waves breaking. It helps wash away all the noises in my head, and allows me to hear that quiet voice inside.

What does that mean?
Ever feel like you should be doing something else? Ever feel like something inside of you desperately wants to get out? I know that I have.

To me, that is what this quote is all about. Most of us spend significant portions of our lives not doing what we could be doing, and not feeling fulfilled. We are not being who we should be.

Deep within us is a plan, or at least an idea. Who we want to be, what we can do to help others, how we can contribute to the world around us. But do we listen to that quiet voice?

We just feel odd, or unfulfilled. But we can be more, if we can be quiet enough to hear that voice, and find our way. We can be everything which is within us, and it starts with listening.

Why is listening important? Continue reading →

Posted in calm, empathy, listening, personal growth, reflection, thinking | Tagged , , , , | Comments Off on I want you to be everything that’s you, deep at the center of your being.

If you realize that all things change, there is nothing you will try to hold on to.

Posted on 19 February 2014 by philosiblog

If you realize that all things change, there is nothing you will try to hold on to. – Lao Tzu

Even the Last Leaf of Fall knows that change has come, and gives itself to the First Snow of Winter.

The Last Leaf of Fall knows that the time to change has come, and gives itself to the First Snow of Winter. Which changes in your life do you embrace, and which to you fear?

What does that mean?
This is another Twitter friendly short quote. The longer version of the quote goes into the ultimate change, and why not fearing it leaves you free to do anything:

“If you realize that all things change, there is nothing you will try to hold on to. If you are not afraid of dying, there is nothing you cannot achieve.”

Things change. That is the only constant thing in life. Technology changes and changes us. The weather changes, and that results in changes for us.

Our bodies and minds change, and that too changes us. What is there to hold on to which does not change? With that in mind, is there anything to which you need to cling?

And if we understand that even our very lives will change, and eventually go away, why fear death? For those who aren’t afraid of death, is there anything they wouldn’t try?

Why is recognizing that all things change important? Continue reading →

Posted in belief, change, knowledge, refresh, thinking, understanding | Tagged , , , , | Comments Off on If you realize that all things change, there is nothing you will try to hold on to.

Pride is pleasure arising from a man’s thinking too highly of himself.

Posted on 18 February 2014 by philosiblog

Pride is pleasure arising from a man’s thinking too highly of himself. – Baruch Spinoza

The lady in the middle won the gold. But she was humble enough to invite the other ladies to join her.

The lady in the middle won the Olympic Gold Medal. But she was humble enough to invite the other ladies to join her at the top.

What does that mean?
I have heard many definitions of the less-useful version of pride before, but I believe this one is about as short and sweet as it could possibly be.

The less-useful version of pride does indeed give pleasure to the prideful person. And that is the main disadvantage it has, as the pleasure can easily blind the person to the excess in which they indulge.

That excess is named at the end of the quote; they think too highly of themselves. Useful pride becomes less useful when one loses track of proportion and begins to believe their own exaggerations.

Unfortunately, it is often an out-of-control reaction, causing the person’s perception of their own value or worth to run away, never looking back. And that’s what the quote is warning us against.

Why is humility important? Continue reading →

Posted in accomplishment, emotion, humility, pride, reflection, thinking | Tagged , , , , | Comments Off on Pride is pleasure arising from a man’s thinking too highly of himself.

Hatred paralyzes life; love releases it. Hatred confuses life; love harmonizes it. Hatred darkens life; love illuminates it.

Posted on 17 February 2014 by philosiblog

Hatred paralyzes life; love releases it. Hatred confuses life; love harmonizes it. Hatred darkens life; love illuminates it. – Martin Luther King

Love vs hate is less black and white than good vs evil, but you still have to choose.

Love vs hate is less black and white than good vs evil, but you still have to choose your path. What will your path be? Will you choose door number one, or door number two?

What does that mean?
This is a great quote from a great man. It has three parts, each dealing with the difference between love and hatred and how it impacts our lives.

In the first, he contrasts how love gives us freedom while hatred locks us into a very limited set of responses, feelings, and beliefs.

In the second, he contrasts how love brings us into harmony both with each other and the world around us, while hatred will put us at odds with others and leave us in confusion as to why things are difficult to accomplish.

In the third, he contrasts how love brings light and joy into our lives while hatred brings us nothing but darkness and misery.

The choice is between Hatred and Love, and the choice is ours to make.

Why is chosing love over hate important? Continue reading →

Posted in action, belief, fear, love, motivation, setting an example | Tagged , , , , | Comments Off on Hatred paralyzes life; love releases it. Hatred confuses life; love harmonizes it. Hatred darkens life; love illuminates it.

Not only is your happiness and welfare related to others, but the more you help them, the happier you will be.

Posted on 16 February 2014 by philosiblog

Not only is your happiness and welfare related to others, but the more you help them, the happier you will be. – Dalai Lama

Even if it his father, he is concerned with the welfare of the child.

This man seems concerned with the welfare of the child. What can you do for others?

What does that mean?
This is a fundamental truth in life. If you think about some of your happiest moments in life, rarely are they solely about you.

Even when you win something, there are usually others involved in preparing you for your victory, and are celebrating your victory as well.

Similarly, when someone you work with, help, or are otherwise involved with wins or achieves something, you celebrate with them. Sometimes even if you were in the running for the same prize.

If you can feel this with your closest friends or with family, why not with others as well? We are all one great human family, and we can celebrate the achievements of any and all. And isn’t that what the Spirit of the Olympics is all about?

Why is camaraderie important? Continue reading →

Posted in caring, doing, friendship, happiness, help, service | Tagged , , , , | Comments Off on Not only is your happiness and welfare related to others, but the more you help them, the happier you will be.

What is harder than rock? What is softer than water? Yet hard rocks are hollowed out by soft water.

Posted on 15 February 2014 by philosiblog

What is harder than rock? What is softer than water? Yet hard rocks are hollowed out by soft water. – Seneca

See the lines on the walls? Erosion by soft drops of water on hard rock.

The lines on the walls? Erosion by soft drops of water on hard rock.

What does that mean?
This is a neat quote about the power of persistent, as well as consistent, effort. Over time, those drips can do some very amazing things.

This quote is about how, over time, the softest and most compliant of things, water, can break down some of the hardest stones. We also see it in the beauty of canyons, such as the Grand Canyon, carved out of rock.

But there are three things the quote doesn’t mention. The first is the amount of time necessary to carve out the rock. That’s the bad news. But there is also good news.

The other two things not mentioned in the quote are that you are far stronger and more capable of changing things than mere water, and that very few of your issues in life are anywhere near as hard as rock.

Why is being consistent important? Continue reading →

Posted in action, belief, confidence, improve, repetition, work | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments