Ab uno disce omnes. – From one, learn all. – Virgil What does that mean? This has usually been translated to mean that we would be well served to learn the general rule which governs most situations. We must also remember that where there is a rule, there is always an exception, and that we…
If tragedy strikes, don’t lose hope. Transform it into an opportunity to make things better. – Dalai Lama What does that mean? This is a great quote about our attitude. Bad things happen to good people. But what do we do when things go badly for us? Some lose hope, others use the event as…
Due to any number of excuses, and even a few reasons, I won’t be posting anything new tonight. 8( Feel free to take a quick look on the right side-bar for categories you might like, and read something random. You never know what you might find. 8)
Inspiration exists, but it has to find you working. – Pablo Picasso What does that mean? This quote reminds me of opportunity, both lost and found. Opportunity or inspiration comes on its own schedule, not yours. Have you ever had a great idea, but you were on the couch, watching your favorite show or sports…
Even people opposed to religion need calm minds and compassion to make their work more effective. – Dalai Lama What does that mean? This quote talks about how calm minds and compassion is useful to everyone, even those who do not have religious beliefs or are opposed to religion. Compassion does not require religion to…
As one falling headlong has no control over his body… so with the mind when it plunges into anger, love or the other passions. – Seneca What does that mean? While the quote is from a section where he discusses anger in specific, this passage, and quote, talks about the power of strong emotions or…
There is no hope unmingled with fear, and no fear unmingled with hope. – Spinoza What does that mean? To me, this quote describes the simple duality of the future. Hope and fear, they are the two sides of the same coin. Anticipation, expectation, or our view of the future; that is at the heart…
Everyone wants to lead a happy life, a meaningful life. In order to fulfill this goal our practice should be realistic. – Dalai Lama What does that mean? While I believe every goal can be achieved, eventually, there are limits to what can be done in the time available to us. To me, this quote says…
I cannot tell you that I lose nothing, but whatever I do lose I can tell you how and why the loss occurred. – Seneca What does that mean? In the original text, he is moving between discussing the value of time and money, but the title of the section is on saving time. In…
Knowledge becomes evil if the aim be not virtuous. – Plato What does that mean? This is an interesting quote about knowledge and how it is applied. It is in the application that knowledge becomes evil or virtuous. Some of the same chemicals used to kill and maim millions in World War One are now…
We have to try to solve local problems keeping global interests in mind. – Dalai Lama What does that mean? This quote is about solving problems. We all have problems, issues, troubles, or whatever word you prefer to use. And we all need to solve them. It is not about the actual mechanics of the solution,…
I never spend a day in idleness. I set aside even part of the night for study. – Seneca What does that mean? This quote is from a longer passage in which he talks about his dedication to his art, and more importantly, why he does so. He talks about withdrawing from the business of…
Not being able to do everything is no excuse for not doing everything you can. – Ashleigh Brilliant What does that mean? This is a neat quote, and is almost in a chiastic form. It starts by stating that you should not use something as an excuse. What is that thing? The thing it says is…
The power of truth never declines. Force and violence may be effective in the short term, but in the long run it’s truth that prevails. – Dalai Lama What does that mean? To me, this quote is about the futility of force and violence. Those are never durable or enduring solutions. They may be a…
It’s the quality of books, not the quantity, that matters. Careful selections benefit; great and varied assortments serve only for delight. – Seneca What does that mean? This was a very interesting post to me, given my love for books. The quote is one about the difference between quality and quantity. The quote doesn’t say…
