I like to believe that people in the long run are going to do more to promote peace than our governments.

Posted on 6 June 2012 by philosiblog

I like to believe that people in the long run are going to do more to promote peace than our governments. – Dwight D. Eisenhower

President Eisenhower in the Rose Garden with an early group of organizers of the (then) government sponsored People to People organization.

What does that mean?
To me, this is a quote only a warrior could make. It is a twitter-friendly version of a longer quote: “I like to believe that people in the long run are going to do more to promote peace than our governments. Indeed, I think that people want peace so much that one of these days governments had better get out of the way and let them have it.”

This is the quote of a warrior who has seen enough of war. His quote appears to recognize that the people of the world have power over their governments, at least in theory. In practice, it doesn’t always work out as well, as the people of Syria are presently experiencing.

His stated hope is for the people of the world to pressure their governments for peace. Since the quote, there have been several wars that have been influenced by the peace movement. Whether for good or ill is still debated. Of course, this quote is more easily realized in a democracy than in a dictatorship. There is also the issue of offensive vs defensive wars. However, both these topics are beyond the scope of this post.

Why are the people of the world important?  Continue reading →

Posted in communication, dignity, humanitarianism, ideals, listening, understanding | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

Science is the great antidote to the poison of enthusiasm and superstition.

Posted on 5 June 2012 by philosiblog

Science is the great antidote to the poison of enthusiasm and superstition. – Adam Smith

Not exactly humanity’s best moment. Superstition, enthusiasm, and emotion superseded science and logic

What does that mean?
For me, this quote speaks of science and it’s role in helping keep humanity sane. Before science was established as a proper method to use when approaching life’s mysteries, enthusiasm and superstition (as well as emotional excess) often ruled the day. This lead to such human tragedies as witch hunts and worse.

Humans have always been enthusiastic and emotional creatures, and superstitions flow naturally when emotion meets unfettered intelligence. Science, and the principles thereof, help reduce the enthusiasm, help hold the emotions at bay, and help banish superstitions with logic.

Why is science (and the scientific method) important?  Continue reading →

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The examined life is no picnic.

Posted on 4 June 2012 by philosiblog

The examined life is no picnic. – Robert Fulghum

Sometimes it’s sunny, sometimes it rains. Life, I believe, is still a picnic either way.

What does that mean?
This gem is from his book All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kinder-garten and is the payoff line for a paragraph long discussion about the difficulties of doing things and making decisions. In short, he was describing his difficulty of always having either too much or two little information when making a decision.

That can be a problem if you are over analytical about it. However, I still believe examining our lives is the better path than strictly random movements through life. While uncertainty and randomness have their place in our lives (wanted or not), I find a little order to be beneficial as well.

Without knowing what you have done, how can you figure out where you are going? I prefer to design my life, rather than to simply allow it to become simply whatever happened to me. Yes, the examined life is no picnic, but I consider it to be better than living an un-examined life.

Why is self-examination important?  Continue reading →

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As you develop a more compassionate attitude, you feel less anxiety, while your determination and self-confidence increase.

Posted on 3 June 2012 by philosiblog

As you develop a more compassionate attitude, you feel less anxiety, while your determination and self-confidence increase. – Dalai Lama

Do they look anxious, or do they look determined and self-confident? That can make a big difference when on is in the hospital, as well as in the rest of life.

What does that mean?
This quote is about the benefits of developing a more compassionate attitude. The claim is that there will be less anxiety, more determination, and greater self-confidence. From my experience, it appears that these things do happen.

As you are more able to be more compassionate, both with others and with yourself, there is a natural tendency to feel less anxious. For me, it seems because of flexibility in my expectations, the ability to roll with whatever happens, and the ability to understand that sometimes stuff happens.

It also seems to follow that your determination will increase, as compassion allows us to roll with the changes and conform (and subsequently surmount) the obstacles that are just a part of life. Similarly, it allows to be confident that despite setbacks, things will work out.

Basically, lack of compassion tends to make us brittle, which leads to anxiety, timidity, and lack of confidence. The presence of compassion leads to a level of robustness, allowing us to release our anxiety, remain resolute and determined, and be full of confidence, despite life’s obstacles.

Why is having a compassionate attitude important?  Continue reading →

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A government which does not trust its citizens to be armed is not itself to be trusted.

Posted on 2 June 2012 by philosiblog

A government which does not trust its citizens to be armed is not itself to be trusted. – Niccolò Machiavelli

Trust. How do you earn it?

What does that mean?
This appears to be another non-quote, as I cannot source it from any of the more reputable quote warehouses. However, it is an interesting point, and I think it is worthy of some discussion.

The history of population control is the history of weapon control. Whether it was ownership of swords in medieval England or the ownership of guns in the Jim Crow [link: ] Southern states after the US Civil War, the whole point of the laws was (and is) to make people helpless.

Trust between the people and the government must flow both ways, or it is a tyranny. Rome became a tyranny of the people near the end, where politicians voted for what would pacify the people (Bread and Circuses, anyone?). Less enlightened regimes throughout history have disarmed their population in an effort to keep them subjugated.

Somewhere between these extremes is the ideal place, where the government and the people live in harmony. Unfortunately, like many “golden mean” situations, everyone has a different idea as to the location of this “sweet spot.” In addition, both governments and societies evolve over time, which keeps moving the target on a regular basis.

Why is mutual trust important?  Continue reading →

Posted in discovery, honest, loyalty, question, sharing, understanding | Tagged , , , , | 3 Comments

It is not the answer that enlightens, but the question.

Posted on 1 June 2012 by philosiblog

It is not the answer that enlightens, but the question. – Eugène Ionesco

“I’ve got this big question, can you help me with it?”

What does that mean?
This is an interesting quote in that it turns a few things around from the usual way we think of them. The quote says it’s the question that gives us the enlightenment, not the answer. Could it really work this way?

I puzzled over that for a little bit, but I think I have a possible answer. I have actually used this method before, but didn’t realize it. Yes, it sounds silly, but you have probably had it work for you as well.

To ask a question, you have to think about what you are going to say. You have to provide some background regarding your puzzle, and you have to state the nature of what you don’t understand. Then you ask for an answer.

In being so careful about setting up the background and asking the question, you often find your answer simply by clearing your mind of the clutter of trying to find your solution. In that moment of clarity, the solution is often sitting there, waiting for you to find it.

Why are questions important?  Continue reading →

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All faults may be forgiven of him who has perfect candor.

Posted on 31 May 2012 by philosiblog

All faults may be forgiven of him who has perfect candor. – Walt Whitman

“So I have a little fault, I love to dance!” Big or small, being candid and admitting it sure beats hiding it, right?

What does that mean?
I like this quote because it gives me hope. I have many faults, but I also try to strive for transparency and honesty. The quote says that people are far more willing to forgive a person who admits their faults.

Candor is defined at thefreedictionary.com as “sincerity of expression; openness.” So the quote is saying that if you have perfect sincerity and openness about your faults, you will be completely forgiven.

Given how far from perfect most humans seem to be, this quote seems more of a wise guideline, rather than a hard and fast rule. The quote urges us to be as sincere and as open about our faults as we can be, and to hope for forgiveness of those faults.

Why is candor important?  Continue reading →

Posted in contentment, courage, failure, fear, forgiveness, honest | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

If you haven’t any charity in your heart, you have the worst kind of heart trouble.

Posted on 30 May 2012 by philosiblog

If you haven’t any charity in your heart, you have the worst kind of heart trouble. – Bob Hope

From star-studded celebrity bashes to high dollar auctions, from amateur golf outings to food drives, from a check in an envelope to a simple acts of kindness or the rendering of assistance, we can all be charitable. It costs so little, yet means so much.

What does that mean?
To me, this is a quote about the condition of your heart. Not the actual physical condition of the heart, but the spiritual and emotional state of your heart, and therefore, by extension, of you.

In the case of this quote, the measure is charity. A heart with a great deal of charity in it is presumed to be in good shape. A heart without any charity isn’t in good shape, according tot he quote.

Specifically, it states that a heart without any charity in it is in the worst shape of all. Bob Hope, the author of the quote, had a scare or two with his heart, but he recognized that a lack of charity was the worst kind of heart condition one could have.

Why is charity important?  Continue reading →

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Don’t practice until you get it right. Practice until you can’t get it wrong.

Posted on 29 May 2012 by philosiblog

Don’t practice until you get it right. Practice until you can’t get it wrong. – Unknown

MJ practiced until he couldn’t miss (even though, from time to time, he did). How about you? What will you do?

What does that mean?
While this may not be a “real” quote, spoken by a single famous person, it is derived from a similar saying in nearly every culture from ancient times to the present. Whether it’s “Practice makes perfect” or “Tomorrow’s battle is won in today’s practice,” the notion that practice is important seems a universal concept.

But that goes only so far as “practice until you get it right.” What separates those who are great with those who are excellent is the second half of the statement. You know of many athletes who are in the second half, and many of the people at the top of their ‘game,’ whatever it might be, are in the second half of today’s quote.

Why is practice important?  Continue reading →

Posted in attitude, confidence, discipline, exceptionalism, passion, persistence | Tagged , , , , | 3 Comments

Sometimes it is not enough to do our best; we must do what is required.

Posted on 28 May 2012 by philosiblog

Sometimes it is not enough to do our best; we must do what is required. – Winston Churchill

The final resting place of Uncle Harry, of the 192nd, HQ Company, in the American Military Cemetery outside of Manila, in the Philippines.

What does that mean?
Today, in the USA, we celebrate Memorial Day, a day dedicated to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. With that in mind, we look at today’s quote, from Sir (along with many other honorifics) Winston Churchill, Brittain’s Prime Minister during the worst of World War Two.

The quote goes against what so many of us believe, and have been told since we were kids. “Just do your best,” is what we heard over and over. Yet this quote says that sometimes, that’s just not enough. What else is there to do if you have already given your best?

The quote concludes by answering that question. It tells us that sometimes, we must do what is required. We must reach deep within ourselves and do a thing we didn’t think we could do. We must reach beyond ourselves and do for others what we wouldn’t do for ourselves. We must reach into ourselves to find the strength to do what is required, regardless of the cost. Because sometimes, our best just isn’t good enough.

Why is doing better than your best important?  Continue reading →

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Unbiased love is undoubtedly difficult to generate, but if you practice with determination, day by day your attitude will be transformed.

Posted on 27 May 2012 by philosiblog

Unbiased love is undoubtedly difficult to generate, but if you practice with determination, day by day your attitude will be transformed. – Dalai Lama

Just seeing him, have you already pre-judged him, shown a bias?

What does that mean?
Unbiased love, that’s an interesting term, isn’t it? Why would the word ‘love’ need a modifier? As humans, it seems we apply our own personal bias to everything we see, hear, or do. Today’s quote urges us against applying our personal bias to love, and in doing so, transform our attitude.

As we reduce our bias, we become better able to open our hearts to a true and unbiased love. As we do that, subtle changes will occur in our attitudes, and we will indeed, be transformed.

The biases we have against others, mostly based in fictions of our mind or our story, do nothing to help us, and only serve as a drag both to our own progress, as well as that of all of human-kind.

Why is the reduction of bias important?  Continue reading →

Posted in curious, honest, judgement, love, observation, persistence | Tagged , | 1 Comment

Ambition is so powerful a passion in the heart, that however high we reach we are never satisfied.

Posted on 26 May 2012 by philosiblog

Ambition is so powerful a passion in the heart, that however high we reach we are never satisfied. – Niccolò Machiavelli

Ambition: Money. Wanting some is a good thing. Wanting it all, that’s a little much, wouldn’t you say?

What does that mean?
To me, this quote is a warning about an excess of ambition. The quote states that it considers ambition as a very powerful a passion in the heart of mankind. It continues by stating that it can become so powerful that it can never be satisfied. To me, that sounds like a very scary thing, having an urge that is so strong that you cannot ever quench the desire.

The quote both honors ambition as a driving force in the first half, and warns us of the dangers of too much ambition in the second half. This seems to be a standard problem of finding the balance between too much of something and too little, the very definition of Aristotle’s Golden Mean.

Why is ambition important?  Continue reading →

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To succeed in life, you need three things: a wishbone, a backbone and a funny bone.

Posted on 25 May 2012 by philosiblog

To succeed in life, you need three things: a wishbone, a backbone and a funny bone. – Reba McEntire

Is it time for a little backbone? Would a little extra fortitude be nice to have at this point?

What does that mean?
This is a neat quote about achieving success in life, and who doesn’t want some of that in their life? The quote cites three things that are needed to achieve that success.

It cites the need for a wish bone. I take that to mean that you need to have a wish, a want, a need, a dream, something to provide motivation and a goal for you to strive towards.

It cites the need for a backbone. I take that to mean that you need to have some gumption, some fortitude, some stick-to-it-ivness, something to keep you going when things get tough, and the toughness to stand your ground in the face of opposition.

It cites the need for a funny bone. I take that to mean that you need to have a sense of humor, a willingness to look for the silver lining in every dark cloud, something to keep a smile on your face when you want to run, hide, or cry.

Why are these bones important?  Continue reading →

Posted in dream, laughter, motivation, perseverance, success, wisdom | Tagged , , , , | 5 Comments

I think of a hero as someone who understands the degree of responsibility that comes with his freedom.

Posted on 24 May 2012 by philosiblog

I think of a hero as someone who understands the degree of responsibility that comes with his freedom. – Bob Dylan

Not only do firefighters put out fires, they educate kids to help keep them safe.

What does that mean?
This is an interesting quote in that it reminds us that freedom comes with responsibility. Ask anyone what their favorite freedom is and they will likely talk for quite some time. Only in the most rare cases will you hear the word ‘responsibility’ mentioned while they are busy talking about their favorite freedoms.

The quote starts out mentioning heroes, a word that is often casually used in modern times. This quote defines a hero as someone who understands not only freedom, but understands both the responsibility as well as the degree of responsibility that is theirs to shoulder. The implication that I take from the quote is that the more freedom you exercise and the greater your reach, the greater your responsibility.

Why are heroes important?  Continue reading →

Posted in contribution, duty, freedom, help, setting an example, understanding | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

Very early, I knew that the only object in life was to grow.

Posted on 23 May 2012 by philosiblog

Very early, I knew that the only object in life was to grow. – Margaret Fuller

How far away is the nearest book? Do you keep something handy to help you grow? What is of interest to you?

What does that mean?
This is a very interesting quote from a fascinating person. From her biography, she was taught by her father (a well educated man), and could read and write by the time she was three and a half.

The biography said her education was much more the type a boy was given in the early 1800’s, and was quite rigorous. She read extensively and learned many languages, including several modern languages as well as Latin.

To me, this shows how seriously she took her early realization of the object of life, as she saw it. Growth, mental and intellectual, was paramount to her, a consuming passion.

While I might quibble with the word ‘only,’ I strongly agree with her, and believe that growth of the mind, the spirit, the heart, the intellect and in all our faculties is very important, indeed. Growth is life.

Why is growth important?  Continue reading →

Posted in choice, creativity, goals, personal growth, refresh, thinking | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment