A real decision is measured by the fact that you’ve taken a new action. If there’s no action, you haven’t truly decided.

Posted on 31 January 2014 by philosiblog

A real decision is measured by the fact that you’ve taken a new action. If there’s no action, you haven’t truly decided. – Tony Robbins

Until you take action, it's just talk. Are you committed to taking action?

Until you take action, it’s not a decision. Are you committed to acting on your decision or are you just flapping your gums? It looks to be a flower, not a ring, but that’s a way to practice.

What does that mean?
This is a quote I first heard years ago, and it really hit home. Why don’t we take action after we make a decision? Because we really haven’t decided.

True, we used the word. We weighed the options and the outcomes against the risks. We picked the one we thought was the best. But then nothing happened afterwards. Because deep down inside, we had not decided.

Whether we were uncertain, afraid, waiting for a better time, or some other excuse, we were not ready to commit ourselves and take action. Until we are ready to take action, we are still hedging our bets, we are still holding back, we are not yet committed.

But once we have taken action, we are committed, and are moving forward along the path we decided to take. That doesn’t mean we shouldn’t pay attention to the results we are getting, though. But we must remain committed to the destination, no matter how the path may change.

Why is action important?  Continue reading →

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When you get to the end of your rope, tie a knot in it and hang on.

Posted on 30 January 2014 by philosiblog

When you get to the end of your rope, tie a knot in it and hang on. – Franklin D. Roosevelt (also Thomas Jefferson & others)

What do you do when you get frustrated, when you feel like you just can't go on? Do you tie a knot and hold on, or do you let go?

What do you do when you get frustrated, when you feel like you just can’t go on? Do you tie a knot and hold on, or do you let go? This quote has an opinion on what to do. What’s yours?

What does that mean?
This quote is about not giving up. If all seems lost, and you are at the end of your rope, the quote says to hold on, and help yourself by adding a knot at the end.

FDR (as he was known) had a lot of rough times in his life. He contracted Polio as an adult, and guided the USA through the Great Depression and World War II. And those are just a few of them. He knew the end of the rope quite well.

But he also knew how to tie a knot and hold on. The refusal to give up is simply a decision. And once you make the decision, it is simply a matter of executing. Tie your knot and hold on. Keep at it, and never give up. However, the quote never says how one should tie a rope while desperately hanging from the end of it.

Why is tenacity important?  Continue reading →

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A long habit of not thinking a thing wrong, gives it a superficial appearance of being right.

Posted on 29 January 2014 by philosiblog

A long habit of not thinking a thing wrong, gives it a superficial appearance of being right. – Thomas Paine

This person is handing out replicas of the famous pamphlet. Would you do such a thing, or would you let it slide?

This person is handing out replicas of the famous pamphlet. Would you do such a thing, or would you let it slide?

What does that mean?
This is another Twitter friendly quote, a longer version is as follows:

“A long habit of not thinking a thing wrong, gives it a superficial appearance of being right, and raises at first a formidable outcry in defense of custom. But the tumult soon subsides. Time makes more converts than reason.”

This was part of the introduction, and was referring to the abuse of the Crown and the form of governance of his day (back in the 1770’s in the American Colonies).

Whether it is taxes or some other measure imposed on us by the government, there is initially some resistance. But the resistance fades, and the new order becomes comfortable, or at least normal.

But if it is improper, or even wrong, it is still that no matter how much time has passed. Yet often we become used to these things and eventually accept them as right.

Why is not being complacent important?  Continue reading →

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The proud peacock of today may be only a feather duster tomorrow.

Posted on 28 January 2014 by philosiblog

The proud peacock of today may be only a feather duster tomorrow. – Rick Barnes (also attributed to E. P. Atkins)

No one can preen forever. Show some humility, oh feather duster to-be.

No one can preen forever. Show some humility, oh feather duster to-be.

What does that mean?
This quote seems to have been around for quite some time, but the theme remains the same. Top of the world one day, mundane cleaning implement the next.

A usual part of being around for a while is that the quote shows up in a number of forms and is attributed to a number of different people. In any case, it is interesting.

The quote is reminding us that fame is fleeting, as is beauty, and even life itself. At any moment, your status could change. That pop star with the first name of Justin may well be finding that out shortly.

To me, the bottom line of this quote is humility. Yes, the fame might be nice, but you should know it won’t last. No matter what you are now, it won’t last forever. All things will end. Don’t get too hung up on the peacock thing, right?

Why is humility important?   Continue reading →

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Talent works, genius creates.

Posted on 27 January 2014 by philosiblog

Talent works, genius creates. – Robert Schumann

Michelangelo's David is so iconic, even a copy can be recognized by the shadow it casts. That is genius creating. What is your talent, and what is your genius?

Michelangelo’s David is so iconic, even a copy can be recognized by the shadow it casts. That is a genius, creating. What is your talent, and what is your genius?

What does that mean?
This quote is about the fine line between talent and genius, between being good and being great. It is more than just ability, it is also about application.

Ordinary things, extraordinarily executed, may be great, but not genius. To be genius, there has to be something more, something different, something creative.

Even a genius is worth very little if they do very little. Imagine what we would call Einstein today if all he had done was day-dream? A genius, just like the rest of us, has to do something, or they are not much of a genius.

While the quote diminishes talent, it is only in comparison to genius. Talent is very valuable, and even talent can create. But talent rarely innovates. When talent does that, they elevate themselves to the level of genius.

Why is applying oneself important?  Continue reading →

Posted in creativity, discovery, effort, genius, talent, work | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

Because of the risks involved in indulging in unrestrained desire and greed we need to cultivate contentment and simplicity.

Posted on 26 January 2014 by philosiblog

Because of the risks involved in indulging in unrestrained desire and greed we need to cultivate contentment and simplicity. – Dalai Lama

What do you desire? The house? The car? The girl? Is your desire unrestrained?

What do you desire? The house? The car? The girl? All of them? Is your desire unrestrained?

What does that mean?
This is about the individual, and how individuals interact. At one end, if everyone indulged in unrestrained desires and greed, everything would be a mess.

At the other end, if everyone was content and lived simply, things would be quite nice. However, life isn’t that way. There will be some at each end, but most live in the middle.

This quote is about influencing people to move more towards contentment and simplicity, and away from unrestrained desire and greed. And we can start with ourselves.

We have some influence with others, but the only thing we really control is ourselves. And if we can’t control ourselves, we are in serious trouble.

Why is self restraint important?  Continue reading →

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A quarrel is quickly settled when deserted by one party; there is no battle unless there be two.

Posted on 25 January 2014 by philosiblog

A quarrel is quickly settled when deserted by one party; there is no battle unless there be two. – Seneca

May all your quarrels and battles be this light-hearted.

May all your quarrels & battles be this light-hearted. And if not, you can always walk away.

What does that mean?
This is a reminder that it takes Two to Tango. Just walk away. There is no rule in life that says you must take on all who disagree with you.

Your ego may say different, but you don’t have to engage everyone. Yes, the trolls on the internet can be fun to smack around, but is it worth the effort?

Not every point matters. We can pick our battles and only fight for what has true meaning. The rest we can simply walk away and leave. It doesn’t mean you lost, it just wasn’t worth the fight.

And sometimes the fight costs more than vacating the field of battle. And rather than fight, can you find a way to work things out? Not everything needs to be settled in a head to head fight. See if you can move around them, and gain your objective without a fight.

Why is picking your battles important?  Continue reading →

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Trade your expectations for appreciation and your whole world changes in an instant.

Posted on 24 January 2014 by philosiblog

Trade your expectations for appreciation and your whole world changes in an instant. – Tony Robbins

Is this appreciation or expectation? Is it any better when you do it?

Is this appreciation or expectation? Is it any better when you do it? Don’t be a bird brain!

What does that mean?
This quote is about attitude, and how it can impact our perception of the world around us. It also changes how we interpret the things which go on around us.

It is quite a different feeling, expecting something, as compared to appreciating something. In one case, you feel owed, and in the other you feel awed. Think about that for a moment.

Expectation is also looking forward to what you hope to gain, or looking to the past for what you had or had not received. Expectation has no room for the present.

Appreciation, on the other hand is strictly about right here and right now. You appreciate what you have, and what is around you. Your assets as well as your possibilities, both in the present, a far more productive place to be.

Why is attitude important?  Continue reading →

Posted in attitude, change, gratitude, leadership, optimism, setting an example | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

The world cares very little about what a man or woman knows; it is what a man or woman is able to do that counts.

Posted on 23 January 2014 by philosiblog

The world cares very little about what a man or woman knows; it is what a man or woman is able to do that counts. – Virgil

Given all the different ways to contribute, it took a while to pick a picture. Here is a series of bins where one can donate clothing items. Just one of many ways to contribute.

Given all the different ways to contribute, it took a while to pick a picture. Here is a series of bins where one can donate clothing items. Just one of many ways in which to contribute.

What does that mean?
To me, this quote is about contribution. It does not matter what a person knows or does not know. It is, instead, about what they are willing to do.

There is a tremendous amount of knowledge in any individual, some of it useful, some of it less so. But that knowledge isn’t of much use until it is put into action.

A library is full of knowledge, but it does not take action. The world is far more interested in the people who use the library to gain knowledge and then do something with it.

Does the world remember who was the head librarian at any library from any point in time? Or does the world remember, for better or worse, the people who did things, and changed the world from their effort?

Why is contributing important?  Continue reading →

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I am not ashamed to confess that I am ignorant of what I do not know.

Posted on 22 January 2014 by philosiblog

I am not ashamed to confess that I am ignorant of what I do not know. – Cicero

Even if you knew all these books by heart, could you admit you still didn't know everything? When would you admit it, and to whom?

Even if you knew all these books by heart, could you admit you still didn’t know everything?

What does that mean?
I’m sure you’ve heard it before. Someone brings up an interesting fact, and someone else is quick to say “I knew that!” How often do you believe them?

Better yet, how often have you been that person? Be honest, no one is watching, no one will know. There isn’t anything wrong with it, but it is hard to learn when you’re busy lying to yourself.

Shame, or fear of being shamed, is the reason many lie about what they know and what they don’t know. It isn’t always easy to admit to not knowing, but it is hard for you to ask for help if you claim to know. It’s hard for others to help you if you already know it.

However, if you can get past your fear and the potential of ridicule, you can actually learn. While there will be some who act like jerks, there will also be those willing to help, if you can ask. And that, I believe, was Cicero’s point.

Why is admitting ignorance important?  Continue reading →

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They must often change, who would be constant in happiness or wisdom.

Posted on 21 January 2014 by philosiblog

They must often change, who would be constant in happiness or wisdom. – Confucius

This is a typewriter. Most exist in museums. Some of the companies adapted to the change, others are but an unhappy memory.

This is a typewriter. Most exist in museums. Some of the companies adapted to the change, others are but an unhappy memory. Will you be flexible and adapt to change?

What does that mean?
To reuse words from the quote, this is about the only constant in life, and that is change. Everything around us is changing, and even we ourselves are changing.

If we are to remain constant in our life, constant in our happiness, or even keep up with that which is wise, we must change with it. If we don’t, change will happen without us.

By paying attention to the change which is happening around us, we can change with it, and maintain our happiness and retain our wisdom. But that requires us to be aware, and to take action on what we notice.

If we fail to notice, or refuse to change, then our happiness will change, and probably not for the better. What we consider wise may not apply anymore. Consider all the old sayings which no longer apply, as the wisdom they once contained has not changed with the times.

Why is being flexible important?  Continue reading →

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He who does not understand your silence will probably not understand your words.

Posted on 20 January 2014 by philosiblog

He who does not understand your silence will probably not understand your words. – Elbert Hubbard

How much silence is there here? It looks like two are talking and a third is gesturing. The fourth has their back to us.

How much silence is there here? It looks like two are talking, a third is gesturing, and the fourth has their back to us. If they don’t understand silence, what else are they missing?

What does that mean?
Life isn’t just about talking. Sometimes, we just sit in silence. Sometimes it’s in the library, other times it is at home. But silence often speaks louder than words.

And I’m not talking only about the so called ‘silent treatment,’ although it fits this quote. There are times when there are no words, and times when silence is the most appropriate thing to say.

The quote states that if a person cannot understand your silence, how will they properly understand your words when you do speak? Silence is as much a part of communication as rests are a part of music. Without the rests, without the silence, there is no pause, there is no reflection. Just noise.

To understand the silence of a person, it is helpful to understand the person. We all have times when we are silent, and times when we are not. If you do not understand the need for silence, your ability to understand the other times is questionable.

Why is understanding silence important?  Continue reading →

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In order to exercise creativity, freedom of thought is essential.

Posted on 19 January 2014 by philosiblog

In order to exercise creativity, freedom of thought is essential. – Dalai Lama

You don't want to be surprised if you create something outside the limits placed on your freedom of thought, right?

You don’t want to be surprised if you create something outside the limits, right? Understand what you want to do (and why you do), then decide if it is worth the risk of punishment.

What does that mean?
This quote is about one aspect of the creative process. How are you creative, and what are some of the essential parts of it?

The quote says that freedom of thought is required. I don’t know about you, but I find it difficult to be creative when there are too many restrictions on what or how I can do when I am trying to be creative.

In my opinion, the quote explains a lot of art that comes from totalitarian regimes. When everything has to conform to narrow and pre-defined forms, it can be really difficult to be creative.

Without the ability to think freely, the ability to be creative is restricted. The more restricted the ability to think becomes, the more restricted the ability to create will be.

Why is freedom of thought important?  Continue reading →

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No man was ever wise by chance.

Posted on 18 January 2014 by philosiblog

No man was ever wise by chance. – Seneca

Did you learn from your stumble? Wisdom comes from work, not from chance.

Did you learn from your stumble? Wisdom comes from work & thinking, not from chance.

What does that mean?
Another brutally short and compact quote. I guess he expected people would have to chisel it into stone or something. But seriously, I always like a quote that examines the roots of wisdom.

This quote says that wisdom doesn’t come by chance. The events which can lead to wisdom often come by chance, but to extract wisdom from the event requires effort.

Imagine two people tripping over the same stone in a path. One looks around, sees the rock, and begins to scan the path ahead for other rocks and avoids them. The other simply stands up, kicks the rock, and continues on their way.

Both experienced a fall, by chance. One took the effort to learn from it, the other simply went on their way. Neither became wise by chance. Only the one who put in the effort became wiser.

Why is figuring out what happened important?  Continue reading →

Posted in belief, contemplation, learning, question, thinking, wisdom | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

Those who are happiest are those who do the most for others.

Posted on 17 January 2014 by philosiblog

Those who are happiest are those who do the most for others. – Booker T. Washington

Helping those who need it most brings great happiness.

Helping those who need it most brings great happiness. At least does for me.

What does that mean?
As is so often is the case, this Twitter friendly quote is just part of a longer quote. This is a slightly longer version of the quote:

“In meeting men, in many places, I have found that the happiest people are those who do the most for others; the most miserable are those who do the least.”

The quote is about the things which make people miserable or happy, narrow minded and blind or broad minded and visionary. Self-centered-ness and prejudice were the worst of the offenders.

The quote reminds us that happiness comes from within, in this case, from what we do to help others. Put in another way, the gift is in the giving. You become more by giving of yourself, and your happiness grows each time you do.

Why is giving of ourselves important?  Continue reading →

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