The harvest of old age is the recollection and abundance of blessing previously secured.

Posted on 9 July 2013 by philosiblog

The harvest of old age is the recollection and abundance of blessing previously secured. – Cicero

Did you manage to secure an abundance? Or did you not plan ahead?

Did you manage to secure an abundance? Or did you not plan ahead?

What does that mean?
This is another saying based on the concepts of agriculture. Harvesting is what you do at the end of the season, as winter approaches. This is the basis of the quote.

It says as we come into old age, one of the things we have left are our memories. Our memories, or what is left of them, is easy enough to understand, and anyone who has asked a question of an older person, who was in the mood to share, understands this.

The other thing we have in our old age is the portion of what we made in our working years. Specifically the portion we saved or invested. Those who spent most of it when they were young will likely have less than those who saved and invested a larger portion.

Why is preparations for our ‘autumns’ important?  Continue reading →

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If you are lucky enough to find a way of life you love, you have to find the courage to live it.

Posted on 8 July 2013 by philosiblog

If you are lucky enough to find a way of life you love, you have to find the courage to live it. – John Irving

Who knows what you'll find when you turn over a new leaf. Could that be courage?

Who knows what you’ll find when you turn over a new leaf. Could that be courage?

What does that mean?
We each have this life of ours to live. We have the ability to make choices (I won’t get into free will here). Our lives are largely what we make of them, based on our choices, on our decisions.

The quote starts with the idea that we just might find ourselves ‘lucky’ enough to stumble on a way of life that we not only like, but actually love. This love, of course, is more about profound appreciation and enjoyment, rather than something romantic.

The quote finishes by saying if such a situation occurs, that we should try to find the courage to seize the opportunity. Live the way of life we love, with courage, once we find it.

Other than bristling at the word ‘luck’ and the sloppy use of the word ‘love,’ it’s a rock solid quote. We don’t find a great way of life strictly by luck. Usually we work our way towards it over time. No matter how we find it, embracing it is a great idea.

Why is finding the courage to live your life important?  Continue reading →

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Serving and helping others out of compassion is non-violence in action.

Posted on 7 July 2013 by philosiblog

Serving and helping others out of compassion is non-violence in action. – Dalai Lama

It's one thing to gather donations out of a sense of obligation, but another thing to do it out of a sense of compassion.

It’s one thing to help others by gathering donations out of a sense of obligation, but another thing to do it out of a sense of compassion.

What does that mean?
This quote defines non-violence in terms of compassion. Non-violence includes a lack of aggression and a lack of ill will. It precludes deliberate actions which harm others or causes them pain and anguish.

Service to others, and helping others would definitely fit those criteria. Doing it out of compassion is the motivation behind the actions. After all, one can do the right thing for all the wrong reasons, right?

By ensuring compassion is the foundation for the actions, the service and assistance to others becomes much more. The quote defines it as non-violence in action.

Whatever else it may be called, I consider it a noble and selfless act. And if you compare those terms to non-violence in action, they also seem to line up fairly well.

Why is taking action from a position of compassion important?  Continue reading →

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A man’s as miserable as he thinks he is.

Posted on 6 July 2013 by philosiblog

A man’s as miserable as he thinks he is. – Seneca

He looks pretty miserable, doesn't he? When I'm cold, I think about skiing, snowball fights, and having fun in the cold. Then I'm not as miserable.

He looks pretty miserable, doesn’t he? When I’m cold, I think about skiing, snowball fights, and having fun in the cold weather. Then I’m not as miserable.

What does that mean?
To me, this is a statement of our relative condition. Someone from the very cold regions of the planet might be miserable at the equator, while someone from there might feel just fine.

Who is more miserable, a rich person who believes they are miserable, or a poor person who believes the same? Or does their equal belief make them equally miserable?

On the other had, two other people, equally rich or poor, with the same circumstances, could feel something other than miserable. And they would feel just that way.

Misery, like happiness, comes from within. If you choose to be miserable, you will be. If you choose to be happy, you will be. Yes, sometimes it is easier to be miserable than happy, but you can be happy, if you put forth the effort.

Why is deciding not to be miserable important?  Continue reading →

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Most people dabble their way through life, never deciding to master anything in particular.

Posted on 5 July 2013 by philosiblog

Most people dabble their way through life, never deciding to master anything in particular. – Tony Robbins

Smoking, drinking, talking on the phone and driving as well. How focused can you be? How will that turn out?

Smoking, drinking, talking on the phone and driving as well. How focused can you be? How do you think that such a situation will turn out? Try to stay focused.

What does that mean?
This is the longer version of the quote: “One reason so few of us achieve what we truly want is that we never direct our focus; we never concentrate our power. Most people dabble their way through life, never deciding to master anything in particular.”

The short quote talks about not mastering anything in our lives. Instead, it says we spend our time doing a little of this and a little of that. In the end, a lot of little things have been accomplished, but nothing that truly tests our abilities, or gives lasting satisfaction.

The longer quote points to one reason in particular for this behavior and result; lack of focus. We have a tenancy to get the things on which we focus. Focus on a lot of little things, get a lot of little accomplishments.

If you want something bigger as a result, you’re going to have to stay focused on it long enough to get something done. If you can’t stay focused, you certainly won’t master it, right? And that is the problem for most of us, isn’t it?

Why is staying focused important?  Continue reading →

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It is not enough to have a good mind, the main thing is to use it well.

Posted on 4 July 2013 by philosiblog

It is not enough to have a good mind, the main thing is to use it well. – René Descartes

You don't have to know much, you just have to be willing to learn. And to use your mind.

You don’t have to know much, you just have to have a desire to learn. And be willing to use your mind. What will you do for your mind?

What does that mean?
This is a quote from the same guy who said that because he thought, he was (that he existed). He obviously thought he had good mind. And I would imagine he thought he used it well. Therefore he did use it well. At least that’s the way the logic works, right?

The quote says that a good mind is a great place to start, but that it is only a starting place. A good mind is the foundation on which to build. Someone with a defective or under-developed mind is going to have a rough time with the next part.

The quote continues by saying that once you have a foundation, you must build on it. You may have a good mind, but if you haven’t trained it and filled it with useful information, it’s not really all that useful, is it?

The quote urges us to learn how to use our mind, and use it well. That takes practice, and that takes time, effort, and the willingness to think. It might not be high on your priority list, but it does pay dividends, or at least I think so (therefore it is, for me).

Why is thinking important?  Continue reading →

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If you want to tell people the truth, make them laugh, otherwise they’ll kill you.

Posted on 3 July 2013 by philosiblog

If you want to tell people the truth, make them laugh, otherwise they’ll kill you. – Oscar Wilde

"But I'm only the messengeeeeeeeeeeer!"

“Please don’t kill me, I’m only the messengeeeeeeeeeeer!”

What does that mean?
This quote is a variant on an ancient Mongolian Proverb: “A Man About To Tell The Truth Should Keep One Foot In The Stirrup.” And that’s for the same reason.

Telling the truth can be hazardous to your health! These are probably also part of another old saying “Don’t Kill Me, I’m Just The Messenger!” However, historically, it did happen from time to time.

The point of the quote, in my opinion, is to use a little sugar to help the medicine go down. In short, sugar coat it. Help to soften the blow.

While he might have been speaking metaphorically about being killed, people in positions of power have been known to ruin careers over trivial seeming things. That’s not a good way to do things

Why is the appropriate use of humor important?  Continue reading →

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You have not converted a man because you have silenced him.

Posted on 2 July 2013 by philosiblog

You have not converted a man because you have silenced him. – John Morley, 1st Viscount Morley of Blackburn

She may be silent, but have you converted her to your side? My guess is no, based on expression and body language.

She may be silent, but have you converted her to your side? My guess is no, based on expression and body language.

What does that mean?
This quote is about debates and how they appear to end. There are many reasons one might be silent in an argument, debate, or other exchange of ideas.

The other person could be absolutely baffled at what the you just said. They might be considering what you said, and trying to process the new information. They might be coming up with a rejoinder. Or they might be trying to control their temper.

This quote warns us not to improperly interpret that silence as victory. They may have simply decided that they remain unconvinced, and that they are unwilling to engage you anymore.

This all presumes an even power base between the debaters. If one is the boss, or holds some other position of power or authority, the other may have decided to hold their tongue, lest it betray them.

Why is listening to the other person important?  Continue reading →

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My heart is ever at your service.

Posted on 1 July 2013 by philosiblog

My heart is ever at your service. – William Shakespeare

Service, it is both a useful function, and in this case, a bit romantic.

Service, it is both a useful function, and in this case, a bit romantic.

What does that mean?
In the play, the words are spoken by Captain Alcibiades, who first pleads for Timon’s life, then (having been banished from Athens for trying save Timon) later revenges himself on those who exiled him, and conspired against Timon. (Timon of Athens [date uncertain, published 1623], Act I, scene 2, line 76.)

While this quote is often taken out of context and used as a romantic phrase, it was spoken in the form of loyalty and devotion, presumably absent of romance.

Yet that is how this phrase is most often used, so let’s consider it from that viewpoint for a moment. This quote uses the word service, implying action on their behalf without expectation of reward.

That fits with many definitions of romantic love, especially the ones which emphasize demonstration over lust. And what could be more romantic than someone who would go out of their way to do something for you?

Why is service to others important?  Continue reading →

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If we can refrain from harming others in our everyday actions and words, we can start to give more serious attention to actively doing good.

Posted on 30 June 2013 by philosiblog

If we can refrain from harming others in our everyday actions and words, we can start to give more serious attention to actively doing good. – Dalai Lama

How do you un-say something they overheard?

How do you un-say something they overheard? If you wouldn’t say it to their face, should you say it at all? If you wish to refrain from harming others, I wouldn’t say it at all.

What does that mean?
This quote starts by asking us to consider how we act in our everyday life. What do we do, and what do we say? We are being asked to consider how these things could cause others to feel as if they had been harmed.

Insults and belligerent actions are the less subtle things we might do, but there are words or acts of omission as well. What might we have for someone else or said to someone else which we did not do for another person?

Once we are treating others well, we get to the second half of the quote, which is about actively doing good for others. How much good will you be able to do if you still harm others, even if it is unintentionally?

To me, the inferred point of the quote is that it’s hard to do good for only some of humanity. If one is harming one group and trying to do good for another group, you’re not going to get much done, right?

Why is not harming others important?  Continue reading →

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Even after a bad harvest there must be sowing.

Posted on 29 June 2013 by philosiblog

Even after a bad harvest there must be sowing. – Seneca

A bronze sculpture of Demeter, Greek goddess of agriculture. In this depiction, she is sowing houses.

A bronze sculpture of Demeter, Greek goddess of agriculture. In this depiction, she is sowing houses.

What does that mean?
This is one of the most powerful truths of nature. No matter how poorly the harvest turned out, if you wish to have another crop, you must first sow your field.

This is at the core of the old saying “if at first you don’t succeed…” and, so long as you notice why you didn’t succeed and make adjustments, you should try again. I disagree with those who alter the end that quote with “…quit, don’t be a fool about it.”

I do give the caveat that if you aren’t making adjustments, you are being foolish, as you are not learning from your experiences. However, if you are ever to succeed, you must try again. You have to plant, even if the crop from last season was pitiful.

Back in the day, if you didn’t plant your crops, you didn’t eat. While failure was always an option, quitting was a death sentence for you and all who depended on you for their food.

Why is facing failure important?  Continue reading →

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A problem is a question you haven’t yet answered to a level that has fulfilled you.

Posted on 28 June 2013 by philosiblog

A problem is a question you haven’t yet answered to a level that has fulfilled you. – Tony Robbins and here

That picture, it's not straight, is it? When will you fix it?

That picture, it’s not straight, is it? Will you fix it or are you satisfied with it?

What does that mean?
This quote is about being done. As long as you aren’t fulfilled, as long as you are not satisfied, you aren’t done. You still have a problem (his term) and need to refine your current answer, or find a better answer.

If you were fulfilled and satisfied with your present answer to the issue, you wouldn’t still have a problem, right? So if you still have the feeling that it’s not quite right, not completely finished, you know you’re not quite done.

In considering this quote, I have found it applies to every aspect of my life. Relationships? Yep. Projects? Yep. The list goes on and on. It’s just a matter of sticking to it, and trying new approaches until you manage to get satisfaction or feel fulfilled.

Why is keeping after it until you are satisfied important?  Continue reading →

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Rowing harder doesn’t help if the boat is headed in the wrong direction.

Posted on 27 June 2013 by philosiblog

Rowing harder doesn’t help if the boat is headed in the wrong direction. – Kenichi Ohmae

"But, I thought you had the directions!"

“Which way should I go?” – “What? I thought you had the directions!”

What does that mean?
This is quote is about understanding the nature of the challenge you face. If you don’t understand what you are up against, you can give it all you have, and end up worse off than when you started.

And that is the point of the example given in the quote. If your boat is pointed the wrong way, no amount of rowing (short of circumnavigation) will get you to where you want to go.

And it’s even worse when you misidentify your goal. You’ll row your heart out, only to find that you’re in the wrong place. That’s a great way to destroy your motivation, isn’t it?

The underlying point is to work smarter, not just harder. Yeah, it has become a cliché, but the guy with the sore arms on the wrong island (or at the wrong pier) knows exactly what it means.

Why is knowing where you are headed important?  Continue reading →

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Death smiles at us all, but all a man can do is smile back.

Posted on 26 June 2013 by philosiblog

Death smiles at us all, but all a man can do is smile back. – Marcus Aurelius

Hard not to smile back at this guy. What could you do if you could smile back at all the challenges in your life?

It’s hard not to smile back at this guy. How would your life be different, what could you do, if you could smile back at all the challenges in your life? If not all, perhaps one or two? Would it make a difference?

What does that mean?
This quote is attributed to Marcus Aurelius in the movie Gladiator, however I couldn’t find it in his surviving written works*. Somehow, I doubt he actually said it, but it does sound Stoic, doesn’t it?

While the quote is about death in particular, I believe it applies to every thing we do. No matter how smart, strong, powerful, or influential we think we are, there are forces beyond our ability to understand, much less control.

Like death, these things can sneak up on us and wreck our plans with little or no warning. What do we do when misfortune smiles at us? Do we tremble in fear, or do we smile back?

While that is a personal decision, I believe hiding and trembling make for a bad precedent. If you get used to folding under pressure, what will you do when something you can change, but only with great effort comes before you? Will you face it, or hide from it?

Why is facing challenges important?  Continue reading →

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The ultimate result of shielding men from the effects of folly is to fill the world with fools.

Posted on 25 June 2013 by philosiblog

The ultimate result of shielding men from the effects of folly is to fill the world with fools. – Herbert Spencer

A lovable Teddy Bear Cholla. One of the most vicious things ever. Don't ask me how I know.

A lovable Teddy Bear Cholla. One of the most vicious things ever. Don’t ask me how I know.

What does that mean?
This one is a fairly simple truth. If there are no consequences for our actions, there is no incentive to learn. The wise and the foolish both make mistakes. The fool doesn’t learn. The wise, they learn.

If we do something foolish, but are shielded from the normal consequences, how will we learn a lesson? Or will we learn the lesson is to avoid the consequences and get away without having to pay the price?

Without consequences, what incentive is there to learn from our mistakes? In my mind, that is the primary difference between the wise and the fools. Both make mistakes, but one is better at learning from them than the other.

The result of shielding them from the consequences of their folly (or poor decisions) is that they continue as fools. The more people we treat that way, the more people remain unwise, and foolish.

Why are consequences important?  Continue reading →

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