We all like to be around kind people; their peaceful, relaxed nature puts us at ease. – Dalai Lama What does that mean? This quote talks about how kindness can impact others. Kindness can be shown in many ways, from saying hello to holding a door open to giving a complement to a stranger or helping someone…
We cannot attribute to fortune or virtue that which is achieved without either.– Niccolò Machiavelli What does that mean? The quote is saying that if you have had a stroke of luck, and ended up in an advantageous position, it’s fair to credit (good) fortune for your success. If you ended up in an advantageous position…
I never admire another’s fortune so much that I became dissatisfied with my own. – Cicero What does that mean? This quote says that you can admire the fortune (the possessions) of someone else. It is understood that humans do that. It’s OK to window shop, to admire or like the shiny things in someone…
I would maintain that thanks are the highest form of thought, and that gratitude is happiness doubled by wonder – Gilbert K. Chesterton What does that mean? This quote is about thanks and the giving of thanks. The quote states that thanks (the mindset of giving thanks) is the highest form of thought. Think about how…
Tough times never last, but tough people do. – Dr. Robert Schuller What does that mean? Given the current economic situation, this seemed an interesting quote to tackle. It reminds us that the tough times come and go. Even if things seem bleak today, in a few years it will likely be very different. The quote…
However beautiful the strategy, you should occasionally look at the results. – Winston Churchill What does that mean? It means that you need to check your results regularly! Even the best laid plans, with all probable contingencies accounted for, can go pear-shaped in the blink of an eye. In fact, it’s been that way for…
It is easy to be proud and harsh and selfish – so easy. But we have been created for better things. – Mother Teresa What does that mean? To me, this quote starts out with a very prudent warning. It says to be careful of how easy it is to be proud, harsh and selfish. These…
The nature of our motivation determines the character of our work. – Dalai Lama What does that mean? This quote warns us to be mindful of what we do, and what our motivation is when we do it. If we are doing something for the purpose of revenge, hate or anger, the result will not be beneficial…
Men shrink less from offending one who inspires love than one who inspires fear. – Niccolò Machiavelli What does that mean? This quote describes a lot of human interactions. When bad news arrives, it is usually told first to someone who does not inspire fear. When something that would be considered offensive to a ‘Prince’ (a…
A man cannot be comfortable without his own approval. – Mark Twain What does that mean? This quote is talking about a basic function of our minds. We cannot be comfortable without our own mind being comfortable. We are what we think, and this quote is simply pointing this out. If we are uncomfortable in…
To achieve great things, two things are needed: a plan, and not quite enough time. – Leonard Bernstein What does that mean? The quote tells us that great things happen when you have a plan and almost enough time. In other words, a deadline. One that is close enough to put some pressure on you to…
Do you want to know who you are? Don’t ask. Act! Action will delineate and define you. ― Thomas Jefferson What does that mean? Did you ever wonder what kind of person you are or wish to be? Did you ever wonder what you want to be when you grow up, or at least when you…
The truth is incontrovertible; malice may attack it, ignorance may deride it, but in the end, there it is. – Winston Churchill What does that mean? This quote says that the truth is a stubborn thing. It says that people won’t always appreciate the truth. It says that some will attack it with malice in…
You cannot teach a man anything; you can only help him to find it within himself. – Galileo What does that mean? It’s kind of like the Old West saying “You can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make it drink.” You can only go so far when attempting to help someone learn….
If you use violence, you may get temporary satisfaction. But the nature of violence is unpredictable – it gives rise to unexpected results. – Dalai Lama What does that mean? To me, this is all about a short-term feel-good solution compared to the proper, well thought out and properly executed solution. Yes, it might feel good…
