Tag Archives: @philo_quotes

The day which we fear as our last is but the birthday of eternity.

The day which we fear as our last is but the birthday of eternity. – Seneca What does that mean? While it isn’t stated explicitly, this quote is almost certainly about death, and the transition to what might come after it. … Continue reading

Posted in calm, dignity, fear, habits, obstacles, strength | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

He who has great power should use it lightly.

He who has great power should use it lightly.  ~ Seneca What does that mean? Consider what the opposite would be like. Imagine a ruler who ruled with an iron fist, what would that be like? Even at the level … Continue reading

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Every man prefers belief to the exercise of judgment.

Every man prefers belief to the exercise of judgment. – Seneca What does that mean? In short, this quote is saying that humans are basically lazy. That is simply the baseline for the human condition. Some are more so than others, … Continue reading

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Look within. Within is the fountain of good, and it will ever bubble up, if thou wilt ever dig.

Look within. Within is the fountain of good, and it will ever bubble up, if thou wilt ever dig. – Marcus Aurelius What does that mean? This quote is saying there is good within us. Each of us. Every one of … Continue reading

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All cruelty springs from weakness.

All cruelty springs from weakness. – Seneca What does that mean? The quote is also translated as: “All savageness is a sign of weakness.” In either case, the source, in the end, is weakness. Weakness of mind, weakness of spirit, weakness of … Continue reading

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What orators lack in depth they make up for in length.

What orators lack in depth they make up for in length. – Montesquieu What does that mean? This is the unfortunate reality for many college and university students. And for many of the rest of us, during the political season. People … Continue reading

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It is better, of course, to know useless things than to know nothing.

It is better, of course, to know useless things than to know nothing. – Seneca What does that mean? That is my mantra! I know more useless stuff than just about anyone else out there! But why would that be better … Continue reading

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The less we deserve good fortune, the more we hope for it.

The less we deserve good fortune, the more we hope for it. – Seneca What does that mean? Which team hopes more for good fortune (or good luck), the team which has worked hard and prepared for the contest, or the one … Continue reading

Posted in attitude, desire, effort, improve, procrastination, success | Tagged , , , , | 8 Comments

One of the most beautiful qualities of true friendship is to understand and to be understood.

One of the most beautiful qualities of true friendship is to understand and to be understood. – Seneca What does that mean? This quote is about what a true friend is, and the qualities they bring to the relationship. Most of … Continue reading

Posted in beauty, friendship, listening, observation, truth, understanding | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

Life’s like a play: it’s not the length, but the excellence of the acting that matters.

Life’s like a play: it’s not the length, but the excellence of the acting that matters. – Seneca What does that mean? Most people don’t win awards like a Tony, an Oscar, or a Golden Globe. They play their part, and … Continue reading

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No evil propensity of the human heart is so powerful that it may not be subdued by discipline.

No evil propensity of the human heart is so powerful that it may not be subdued by discipline. – Seneca What does that mean? This quote is about the end of excuses. “I couldn’t help myself.” Or “I knew it was … Continue reading

Posted in concentration, discipline, focus, goals, habits, self improvement | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

Life, if well lived, is long enough.

Life, if well lived, is long enough. – Seneca What does that mean? This quote is an answer to the eternal question: How long should a life be? Yes, we’d all like to think that we will live for a very … Continue reading

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A gift consists not in what is done or given, but in the intention of the giver or doer.

A gift consists not in what is done or given, but in the intention of the giver or doer. – Seneca What does that mean? This is similar to other quotes that urge us to look beyond the gift, and consider … Continue reading

Posted in character, decision, giving, honest, integrity, motivation | Tagged , , , , | 5 Comments

All things excellent are as difficult as they are rare.

All things excellent are as difficult as they are rare. – Baruch Spinoza What does that mean? Depending on your age and background, ‘excellent’ may have become part of your vocabulary as a simple statement of agreement. However, it really means … Continue reading

Posted in accomplishment, effort, exceptionalism, plan, self improvement, work | Tagged , , , , | 7 Comments

If we are not ashamed to think it, we should not be ashamed to say it.

If we are not ashamed to think it, we should not be ashamed to say it. – Cicero What does that mean? This quote is all about our morals, our values, and the potential for a dichotomy between how we … Continue reading

Posted in action, belief, honest, improve, integrity, shame | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment