The mind that is anxious about the future is miserable.

Posted on 21 September 2013 by philosiblog

The mind that is anxious about the future is miserable. – Seneca

It is one thing to be concerned about something. But if it's over the phone, there probably isn't much you can do about it. Don't be anxious. Don't let it make you miserable.

It is one thing to be concerned about something. But if it’s over the phone, there probably isn’t much you can do about it. Don’t be anxious. Don’t let it make you miserable.

What does that mean?
Anxious. Nervous. Worried. The future can be a scary thing. However, being anxious doesn’t make it any less scary. Nor does it change the possibility that things will turn out in a less-than-pleasant manner.

Worrying about what the future will bring? That will make you miserable, or at least that is what the quote says. It will drive you crazy, or at least close to it. That’s not someplace I want to visit, much less live.

The quote implies that the future simply is. Whether you can change what is coming or not isn’t part of the debate. But worry isn’t going to make any difference. If you believe action can change the future, use your time and energy to act.

We only have so many hours in a day, week, or year. Wasting any time on worry, that’s time you can’t get back. I believe that time is better spent working to tip the odds in your favor, or preparing for the worst.

Why is taking action important?  Continue reading →

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Kindness in words creates confidence. Kindness in thinking creates profoundness. Kindness in giving creates love.

Posted on 20 September 2013 by philosiblog

Kindness in words creates confidence. Kindness in thinking creates profoundness. Kindness in giving creates love. – Lao Tzu

Is there anything in the quote that specifies you can only be kind to people?

Is there anything in the quote that specifies you can only be kind to people? 

What does that mean?
Many aspects of our life and our actions are linked. This quote describes how kindness impacts our lives in many different ways.

It starts by drawing a comparison between kind words, and the building of confidence. We’ve all been lacking in confidence and reassured by kind words, haven’t we?

Next it draws a comparison between kindness in thinking and profoundness [profound thoughts]. What you think when you are in a kind mood may not seem profound at the moment, but your personal decisions tend to be a little better.

It concludes by comparing kindness in giving to love. For me, this is a two bank shot, kindness in giving leads to gratitude or compassion (depending on which end you’re at), and that leads to love.

Why is kindness important?  Continue reading →

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Time and money spent in helping men to do more for themselves is far better than mere giving.

Posted on 19 September 2013 by philosiblog

Time and money spent in helping men to do more for themselves is far better than mere giving. – Henry Ford

Someone has to fix the gear. Could you help? For the introverted geeks out there, this might be a way to help.

Someone has to fix the gear. Could you help? For the introverted geeks out there (like me), this might be a way you could help as well as give. While this is an old guitar tube amp, every PA system or electronic gadget will need a little TLC now and then, right?

What does that mean?
This quote is about giving, or being charitable. We generally like to give to those less fortunate, or who are having a hard time. That’s just the in the nature for most of humanity.

That said, some have had it trained out of them, by upbringing or culture. That’s OK, you can change, if you want to. But the point of the quote is about how we give and how to get the most, or give the most assistance.

It’s nice to give something, and then walk away. While a wise person will use that gift to improve their situation and themselves, some are either too desperate, or unable to figure out how to best help themselves.

That’s where taking the time to help them understand how to better themselves and get out of the misfortune in which they find themselves mired. That’s what this quote is about, teaching and helping in addition to giving.

Why is helping as well as giving important?  Continue reading →

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Control thy passions lest they take vengeance on thee.

Posted on 18 September 2013 by philosiblog

Control thy passions lest they take vengeance on thee. – Epictetus

Do you have a passion for photographing the flower of the Purple Passion plant? These bees seem to like it too!

Do you have a passion for photographing the flower of the Purple Passion plant?

What does that mean?
This quote is about passions and how too much of a good thing can be a real problem for some people. The quote urges us to control our passions. That is, to reign them in, and to not let them rule our lives.

The problem with letting our passions control us, instead of the other way around, is what the second half of the quote is all about. Those passions will cost you dearly. They will lay you low. They will take their vengeance on you.

In extreme cases, some people can even become addicted to a passion, if they let the passion and euphoria get the best of them. It can become an overriding, all consuming desire or need. And it can wreck their lives.

This can lead to all kinds of problems, and that’s what this quote is about. If you don’t control your passions, they will control you. And that is where the bad things begin to happen. I’d try to avoid it, were I you.

Why is passion important?  Continue reading →

Posted in action, decision, love, optimism, passion, work | Tagged , , , , | 5 Comments

In everything truth surpasses the imitation and copy.

Posted on 17 September 2013 by philosiblog

In everything truth surpasses the imitation and copy. – Cicero

Yes, it's fun putting on a costume and imitating someone. Just be sure to remember, you aren't truly that person, just a copy.

Yes, it’s fun putting on a costume and imitating someone. Just be sure to remember, you aren’t truly that person, just a copy. Elvis, Elvis, everywhere an Elvis!

What does that mean?
I’m not an expert in how Latin is translated, and I was unable to find the exact source of the quote, so I’m going to have to guess a little. The quote, read as written, sounds awkward. I’m going to put a comma between everything and truth. That makes the quote “In everything, truth surpasses the imitation and copy.”

The first part, before the comma, says that in every possible way, manner, and form, the second part of the quote is better than the third part. The second part is the subject in the quote, the truth. With the first part, we are told that the truth is far and above anything in the third part of the quote.

The third part is what the truth surpasses, which is imitation and copy. Imitation of a true item will be a poor contrast. Yes, I like the Mona Lisa, and my son has a poster of her, but it is an imitation, a copy, and it is clearly surpassed by the true Mona Lisa.

Why is truth important?  Continue reading →

Posted in confidence, fear, individuality, originality, strength, truth | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

My Internet is broken…

Posted on 16 September 2013 by philosiblog

In switching to new Internet service, my router died. I am almost back to functional, but not quite. After 8 hours of reconfiguring the entire home network, I’m going to bed.

I will do what is necessary to be back to normal by tomorrow. Period. Even if it means e-mailing the post to my phone and posting it from there.

Thanks for hanging around, and tomorrow there will be actual content in the post!

Posted in Uncategorized | 6 Comments

When we develop care and concern by thinking of others not as ‘them’ but ‘us’, there is no room for bullying, exploitation or deceit.

Posted on 15 September 2013 by philosiblog

When we develop care and concern by thinking of others not as ‘them’ but ‘us’, there is no room for bullying, exploitation or deceit. – Dalai Lama

Can you smile and say hello to everyone you meet? Even the 'icky' ones, the ones who are "them" not "us"?

Can you smile and say hello to everyone you meet? Even the ‘icky’ ones, the ones who are “them” not “us”?

What does that mean?
This is another ‘Big Family’ quote.

It starts by urging us to develop more care and concern for others. The quote implores us to think of others as part of at least our human family, if not as someone closer to us than that. If not part of our actual family, at least friends, or perhaps as acquaintances?

The quote urges us to not go tribal, to not split the world into an “us and them” scenario. Yes, it’s idealistic. Yes, it can be dangerous. But it is also noble and visionary. However, if we anticipate the worst, we will not be helping make things better, will we?

The quote concludes that we, when we treat all others as friends or family, will find that there simply is no way to bully them, if we honor them as one of ‘us’ instead of one of ‘them.’

The same for exploitation or deceit. It just cannot happen, if we truly value them, and treat them as if they were our friends, or even part of our family. And by treating them well, we reinforce our belief that they are us.

Why is compassion important?  Continue reading →

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Enjoy present pleasures in such a way as not to injure future ones.

Posted on 14 September 2013 by philosiblog

Enjoy present pleasures in such a way as not to injure future ones. – Seneca

While I like Newton as much as the next geek, really? From the story, he put some thought into it. But on the wrist? That's going to be there for life. Imagine the handshake at the job interview...

While I like Newton as much as the next geek, really? From the story, he put some thought into it. But on the wrist? That’s there for life. Imagine the handshake at the job interview…

What does that mean?
This is a great quote for the weekend. Consider the pleasure, as some call it, of a few drinks. That can be fun, even pleasurable. Now consider making the mistake of trusting your judgement while intoxicated.

How many ways could this go wrong, and ‘injure’ your future pleasures? How about getting in a fight and landing in the hospital? How about picking up the keys to your vehicle, and then landing in jail?

We all have things we do for fun, for pleasure. I hope we are sane and cautious enough to remember to not ruin our future pursuit of pleasure by doing something stupid or reckless and overly dangerous.

It is far too easy to cause yourself future difficulties if you aren’t careful in the present. That requires a certain level of reason and prudence. Once that is done, party on, dudes!

Why is being prudent important?  Continue reading →

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Yesterday is dead, tomorrow hasn’t arrived yet. I have just one day, today, and I’m going to be happy in it.

Posted on 13 September 2013 by philosiblog

Yesterday is dead, tomorrow hasn’t arrived yet. I have just one day, today, and I’m going to be happy in it. – Groucho Marx

It looks like these people took Groucho's advice and decided to be happy today. Will you?

It looks like these people took Groucho’s advice and decided to be happy today. Will you?

What does that mean?
A slightly longer version of the quote is as follows: “Each morning when I open my eyes I say to myself: I, not events, have the power to make me happy or unhappy today. I can choose which it shall be. Yesterday is dead, tomorrow hasn’t arrived yet. I have just one day, today, and I’m going to be happy in it.”

This is a classic ‘live in the present’ quote, but done in the matter-of-fact style Groucho did so well. It’s not as flippant or irreverent as some of his quotes, but it suits him just as well. Perhaps he was caught in a contemplative moment.

The quote states that the past is gone and tomorrow has yet to arrive. That leaves us with today. The longer version says that he has the choice if he wants to be happy or not. His decision, made consciously and in advance, is to be happy.

Why is making the decision to be happy important?  Continue reading →

Posted in decision, habits, happiness, improve, perspective, struggle | Tagged , | 2 Comments

Being powerful is like being a lady. If you have to tell people you are, you aren’t.

Posted on 12 September 2013 by philosiblog

Being powerful is like being a lady. If you have to tell people you are, you aren’t. – Margaret Thatcher

This kind of strength is easy to see. But what about strength of character? What does that look like? Can you spot it, or do they have to tell you?

This kind of strength is easy to see. But what about strength of character? What does that look like? Can you spot it, or do they have to tell you about it??

What does that mean?
This quote is interesting, as it draws an analogy which I would never have considered. But that’s probably because I’m a guy.

The quote starts off talking about being a lady. In this context, being a lady is not about just simply being female, but about having grace, dignity, poise, and class.

If you have these characteristics, they are clearly self evident. If you have to tell people you have them, then they probably aren’t very evident, right? And that’s what the quote is about.

If you are powerful, it is evident. As a person, a company, a country, or a government, it shows in many ways. Those who have to remind others that they are powerful, probably aren’t really all that powerful. Those that are, don’t need to remind anyone.

Why is becoming the person you wish to be important?  Continue reading →

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Running away from your problems is a race you will never win, so just face them head on, and overcome them.

Posted on 11 September 2013 by philosiblog

Running away from your problems is a race you will never win, so just face them head on, and overcome them. – Unknown

How well does running away work for you? Do your problems find you? Do you have to face them eventually?

How well does running away work for you? Do your problems find you? Do you have to face them eventually? Would you rather face them strong, or tired from running?

What does that mean?
I’ve heard a number of variants on this one, but the most common has been “you can’t outrun trouble.” And even as fast as I once was, it’s always been true for me. How about you?

The quote says you can’t win the race, your problems will always catch up. Perhaps not today, but tomorrow or the next day or the day after that, they will show up. Then what?

They you’ll have to face them. But now you’re tired, and they have usually used the time you were running to multiply. Now it’s even worse. They’re ganging up on you! Running is no longer an option.

The quote opines that the more prudent course of action is to face them from the start. This allows you to be at your strongest, and they at their weakest.

It isn’t always easy, as they can be scary. But they aren’t going to go away, so face them today!

Why is fears important?  Continue reading →

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Two things define you: Your patience when you have nothing and your attitude when you have everything.

Posted on 10 September 2013 by philosiblog

Two things define you: Your patience when you have nothing and your attitude when you have everything. – Unknown

That's some attitude. She has everything, and is being treated to dinner.

That’s some attitude. She has everything, and is being treated to dinner.

What does that mean?
That is the real question of life, isn’t it? “Who are you?” How are you defined and how do you define yourself? It’s hard to know in the quiet times. It is only when things get rough that we really find out who we are and of what we are made.

This quote singles out two specific situations for consideration. The first is how patient you can be when you have nothing. When you have nothing, you will, obviously, have quite a few needs. How patiently can you wait for that which you need? Can you, or do you get agitated and make a fuss?

The second situation in the quote is what your attitude is when you have everything. When you have everything, you need nothing, and by extension, no one. This is a test of how you treat people when you don’t have any need to be kind or helpful. Will you be nice, or will you be an obnoxious (something)?

Why is testing yourself important?  Continue reading →

Posted in attitude, discovery, patience, plan, question, self improvement | Tagged , , , , | 7 Comments

If I had a flower for every time I thought of you… I could walk through my garden forever.

Posted on 9 September 2013 by philosiblog

If I had a flower for every time I thought of you… I could walk through my garden forever. – Alfred Lord Tennyson

An Irish Garden, full of flowers. Beautiful.

An Irish Garden, full of flowers. Beautiful, and with so many different thoughts in it.

What does that mean?
While I couldn’t find the book or poem this is from, nor the words missing from the middle, if the BBC says it’s one of Tennyson’s best quotes, it can’t be wrong, can it? Can anyone help out?

The quote is talking about a person who is thinking of someone they love. They are making a comparison between how often they think of their love and flowers, wanting a flower for each time the thought of their love crossed their mind.

That leads to a question, how many flowers would they have? They answer that obliquely by saying that they would have a garden (a British term for a flower-filled area with walking paths or seating) which would go on forever.

That sounds like a lot of flowers. Which is, by the definition in the first section, quite a lot of thoughts. I think this quote is saying they are thinking about them a lot.

Why is thinking, but not obsessing about someone important?  Continue reading →

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Our real guide is our own mind, our sense of reason.

Posted on 8 September 2013 by philosiblog

Our real guide is our own mind, our sense of reason. – Dalai Lama

"But I *AM* being reasonable. You are the one who is not!" Ever been there? If you don't keep your head, it isn't going to get better, is it?

“But I *AM* being reasonable. You are the one who is not!” Ever been there? If you don’t keep your head, it isn’t going to get better, is it?

What does that mean?
This quote covers nearly all of humanity. Yes, there are some who have issues, and who cannot behave or be reasonable. But they are few and far between, no matter how often they show up in the news.

The rest of us have a mind, and a sense of reason. We have ethics and rules. They aren’t always the same, and in that, we have friction and even conflict. But we can still talk, we can still try to resolve issues together.

But as long as everyone is reasonable and uses their sense of reason, we can come to some conclusion, which likely will include some points of agreement and some points of contention.

However, we don’t always use reason, or it isn’t always the first thing we think of to try, right? I’ll admit that despite all of my best attempts, I still can screw it up. But there is always the voice of reason on which we can fall back.

Why is being reasonable important?  Continue reading →

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It is the failing of youth not to be able to restrain its own violence.

Posted on 7 September 2013 by philosiblog

It is the failing of youth not to be able to restrain its own violence. – Seneca

Does she deserve this? While an adult might have done it, what if it was a youth who was unable to restrain their anger or frustration?

Does she deserve this? While an adult might have done it, what if it was a youth who was unable to restrain their anger or frustration?

What does that mean?
Ah, the joys of youth. While often times described as misspent, if one both survives and manages to learn from it, then is it really misspent? That is true of most aspects of our growing and experimenting years.

In this case, the quote singles out violence as one of the ways youth act out. As we grow into adulthood, we test the limits. Both ours, and those of society. We know where they are supposed to be, but are they really?

We test the limits to find out what we an and cannot do, and we use the information to make our own guard-rails or safety nets. At least those who wish to prosper in the future usually do so. Some don’t seem to care.

The violence tends to be from a combination of hormones, emotions, and frustration. Any one can be dangerous, but together they can be messy. Add a couple dozen others of similar circumstances and things can go down hill fast.

Why is prudence or restraint important?  Continue reading →

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