I will not be concerned at other men’s not knowing me; I will be concerned at my own want of ability. – Confucius What does that mean? This is an interesting quote, as it discusses our want, or lack, of ability. At least that is how I understand the quote. The first part says we shouldn’t…
No one has the right to be sorry for himself for a misfortune that strikes everyone. – Cicero What does that mean? While everyone complains on Tax Day or at other times when unpleasant things happen to large groups of us, this quote says we have no right to feel sorry for ourselves. Besides, taxation really…
Thousands of candles can be lit from a single one, and its life will not be shortened. Happiness never decreases by being shared. – Buddha What does that mean? This quote reminds us that there are two kinds of things in the universe. The stuff you lose when you give it away, and the stuff which…
Love is that condition in which the happiness of another person is essential to your own. – Robert Heinlein What does that mean? This is a great quote from one of the great Giants in the Science Fiction Genre. The interesting thing to me is that the best authors (of any genre) seem to be the best…
We naturally have self-interest but it should be wise rather than foolish self-interest by taking others needs into account as well as ours. – Dalai Lama What does that mean? I like this quote, as it acknowledges a basic human behavior, yet implores us to try to use it for the good of all. What do I…
See how many are better off than you are, but consider how many are worse. – Seneca What does that mean? To me, this quote is about perspective. It also shows that ‘Keeping up with the Joneses‘ has been going on for quite a number of centuries. The quote starts by implying that looking at how…
Successful people ask better questions, and as a result, they get better answers. – Tony Robbins What does that mean? This is something most of us forget as we grow up. Little kids ask some of the best questions. That’s why they are so successful, that and they try harder and more often. Success means different things…
We have two ears and one mouth so that we can listen twice as much as we speak. – Epictetus What does that mean? Somehow, I imagine this was an old saying before Epictetus latched on to it. It certainly survives to this day, as evidenced by quite a number of parents trying to convince their…
Measure wealth not by the things you have, but by the things you have for which you would not take money. – Anonymous What does that mean? This one hits consumerism below the belt. This quote is a call-out to all those who pride themselves in what they have acquired. It asks them to take…
A man should be upright, not be kept upright. – Marcus Aurelius What does that mean? At it’s heart, this quote is about a person and their character. It is a reminder that what we are on the inside is what we are seen as by others on the outside. The quote is usually interpreted…
Take away love, and our earth is a tomb. – Robert Browning A tomb, as you probably know, is a place where the dead are placed. And without passion, our lives would be as dull and dreary as the lives of the dead. I guess that would make us Zombies, which would fit, wouldn’t it? Imagine,…
When you concern yourself with others, you naturally develop a sense of self-confidence. To help others takes courage and inner strength. – Dalai Lama What does that mean? This quote has an interesting way of looking at self-confidence. We normally think of self-confidence coming from accomplishing things, things we can see and measure. Ran a mile? Yep!…
Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world. – Harriet Tubman What does that mean? There is a slightly longer version of this quote, which I greatly prefer. It starts with an extra sentence, and is as follows: “I have come to learn…
Wherever there is a human being, there is an opportunity for a kindness. – Seneca What does that mean? This quote is about the human condition, and one of our primary jobs as a human being. While we can be kind to animals, plants and even minerals, the real point of our existence begins by being…
If you want to achieve greatness stop asking for permission. – Anonymous What does that mean? To me, this quote is about the eternal struggle between innovation and the establishment. Things have always been done a certain way, and no one sees a reason to change that. Until someone does. If they ask permission to try…
