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Character Distinguishes Good from Great
2007-12-14 17:08:00
"Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, vision cleared, ambition inspired, and success achieved." -Helen Keller, American Author and Activist, Helen Keller books// Character is what distinguishes good leaders from great leaders, average workers from top performers and trusted friends from casual acquaintances. People of high character earn the respect of others through consistency of action, commitment to excellence and faithfulness of trust. As Keller suggests, character is not built on the laurels of apathy or the musings of theory, but rather through the trials of experience and the tribulations of... To read the rest of this post, please click the headline and go to the Thoughts On Quotes site.
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Dont Spam the Human Network
2007-12-13 17:05:00
"We cannot live for ourselves alone. Our lives are connected by a thousand invisible threads, and along these sympathetic fibers, our actions run as causes and return to us as results." -Herman Melville, 19th Century American Writer, Herman Melville books// There is a ripple effect to every action that we take. The reverberations of what we do travel across the hidden network of human connectivity, and it's hard to know where, or upon whom, they will end. You may think that what you do doesn't help or hurt anyone else, but in reality, it does, if only in a very small way. If you think of it like a pebble being thrown into a pond, our experiences are the nodes of where the ripples intersect... To read the rest of this post, please click the headline and go to the Thoughts On Quotes site.
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We All Live Political Lives
2007-12-12 19:15:00
"Man is by nature a political animal." -Aristotle, Ancient Greek Philosopher, Aristotle books// Whenever someone tells you that they are not doing something for "political" reasons, it is a sure sign that that is exactly what they are doing. We all live "political" lives, and to deny it is to deny the fact that our primal nature, as Aristotle alludes, is to think first of ourselves and, then, of others. Self-preservation spawns political or self-serving behaviors. We have a point of view based on our knowledge and experiences, and when we state our position on a specific matter, it is a political statement. Politic s exist in every aspect of our lives, not just in the governmental... To read the rest of this post, please click the headline and go to the Thoughts On Quotes site.
More About: Political , Live , Lives

Great Leaders are Great Listeners
2007-12-11 23:54:00
"When people talk, listen completely. Most people never listen." -Ernest Hemingway, American Writer, Ernest Hemingway books// Listening is the most respectful act one person can do toward another. It signifies that you value the other person's opinion, and it enhances their feelings of significance. By listening, you can better understand both what that person is trying to tell you and what he or she needs from you. Listening leads to dialogue, where each addition to the communication or conversation advances the objective of it toward a definite end. As Hemingway says, most people don't listen at all though - they simply wait for their turn to talk. This turns dialogue into... To read the rest of this post, please click the headline and go to the Thoughts On Quotes site.
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Judgment is a Two-Way Street
2007-12-10 17:47:00
"We are all inclined to judge ourselves by our ideals; others, by their acts." -Harold Nicolson, 20th Century British Author and Politician, Harold Nicolson books// Judgment of others is a habitual, and natural, occurrence, especially among those who feel strongly about specific lifestyles, issues and philosophies. As Nicolson states, we tend to "judge ourselves by our ideals," and as such, the act of judgment becomes a righteous endeavor to correct the errors of others and encourage conformity to our own way of thinking. Religious zealots condemn people for sinning against God and man, according to their interpretation of holy laws; political pundits criticize and blame elected officials... To read the rest of this post, please click the headline and go to the Thoughts On Quotes site.
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Free Yourself to Give Today
2007-12-08 17:13:00
"There is a wonderful mythical law of nature that the three things we crave most in life - happiness, freedom, and peace of mind - are always attained by giving them to someone else." -Peyton Conway March, Former WWI U.S. Army Chief of Staff, Peyton Conway March books// The best things in life are free - free to give, that is. It doesn't cost you anything to give friendship, courtesy, praise, compliments, kindness or a smile, yet the receiver of your generosity gains happiness from being treated with respect and dignity. Whenever you are feeling down or saddened, it helps to give to others what you feel that you are lacking in your life. You'll be surprised - your actions will be... To read the rest of this post, please click the headline and go to the Thoughts On Quotes site.
More About: Free , Today , Give

Living a Courageous Life
2007-12-07 16:39:00
"One isn't necessarily born with courage, but one is born with potential. Without courage, we cannot practice any other virtue with consistency. We can't be kind, true, merciful, generous, or honest." -Maya Angelou, American Poet, Actress and Civil Rights Leader, Maya Angelou books// Everyone has the potential to be courageous. Some learn how to make courage an habitual behavior, taking risks on a daily basis and, seemingly, living a daring life without fear. Others might call this constant risk-taking stupidity more than courage, but facing down fear is usually ascribed to courage. What does it really mean, though, to live a courageous life? And, how do we recognize courage in ourselves?... To read the rest of this post, please click the headline and go to the Thoughts On Quotes site.
More About: Life , Living , Courageous

Ideas Multiply When You Share Them
2007-12-06 17:01:00
"If you have an apple and I have an apple and we exchange these apples then you and I will still each have one apple. But if you have an idea and I have an idea and we exchange these ideas, then each of us will have two ideas." -George Bernard Shaw, Renowned Irish Author, George Bernard Shaw books// Sharing is a difficult thing for most people to do, especially if it involves something of a creative or intellectual nature. Hoarding information and ideas is one of the most negative and detrimental traits in our society. I understand why some businesses need to protect their research and development of new products, but there is a definite down side to this strategy. The world is filled with... To read the rest of this post, please click the headline and go to the Thoughts On Quotes site.
More About: Ideas , Share , Multiply

Nature Teaches More than She Preaches
2007-12-04 16:46:00
"Nature teaches more than she preaches. There are no sermons in stones. It is easier to get a spark out of a stone than a moral." -John Burroughs, American Naturalist and Essayist, John Burroughs books// Nature has a way of reminding us of how small we are in the scope of the world. There are forces happening all around us, and we live on a dynamic and energetic planet. As Burroughs says though, nature can teach us many things about how we live, but morality is not one of its lessons. How we treat the environment may illustrate how we treat each other, but it doesn't give us any solutions on how to do things better. Some people feel very connected to nature, and perhaps if they felt... To read the rest of this post, please click the headline and go to the Thoughts On Quotes site.

What to Say and How to Say It Online
2007-12-03 17:56:00
"The newest computer can merely compound, at speed, the oldest problem in the relations between human beings, and in the end the communicator will be confronted with the old problem, of what to say and how to say it." -Edward R. Murrow, American Journalist, Edward R. Murrow books// There is tremendous value in the immediacy of e-mail, online forums, chat rooms and message boards, but as Morrow suggests, these computerized ways of communication may increase the speed of expression but they do not solve the age-old issue of 'what to say and how to say it.' In fact, it is my observation that online methods of 'talking' are great for transmission of information but terrible for the art of... To read the rest of this post, please click the headline and go to the Thoughts On Quotes site.
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See More Than You Want to See
2007-12-01 16:49:00
"What we see depends mainly on what we look for." -John Lubbock, 19th Century English Banker, Politician and Naturalist, John Lubbock books// People see what they want to see. All too often, they gather small bits of information floating around in the gossip chain, rumor mill or Internet that support their already predetermined opinions about a particular subject, idea or person. There is so much information available nowadays that individuals can fill buckets full of justifications for whatever they want. As a result, the inclination to look at things differently is drastically diminished. Perception is much stronger than reality in the world today, although I imagine that it has been a... To read the rest of this post, please click the headline and go to the Thoughts On Quotes site.

Carnival of Quotes, December 2007
2007-11-30 16:02:00
Welcome to the December 1, 2007 edition of carnival of quotes. al leong presents The Sealed Book posted at Daily Oil Blog. Tim King presents The Value of a Skillful Writer posted at Be The Story, saying, "As we face the Writers Guild of America strike, some of us ask whether writers are really worth the trouble." Madeleine Begun Kane presents Pondering Condi posted at Mad Kane's Political Madness. Doris Chua presents Sunday Quote of the Day--Pursue Excellence posted at A Meeting Place for All Home Office Women. Albert Decker presents Trees vs Fences posted at Resonant Enigma. gamy presents Mind Think Success posted at Mind Think Success, saying, “Whatever we plant in our... To read the rest of this post, please click the headline and go to the Thoughts On Quotes site.
More About: Carnival , December 2007

Everyone Deserves a Disney Momemt in Life
2007-11-29 16:40:00
"If you can dream it, you can do it. Always remember that this whole thing was started with a dream and a mouse." -Walt Disney , Founder of the Disney Empire, Walt Disney books, DVDs, CDs// Dreams are powerful things. They can motivate you to do more and be more than you ever imagined, and it's incredibly exciting when they sweep you up and take you on that wild ride from imagination to reality. Walt Disney's films and attractions are super examples of how big dreams can become for anyone who dares to pursue them with passion and vigilance. If you've never made a trip to Disney World or Disneyland, it's definitely worth the expense to go. Not only does it bring out youthful exuberance,... To read the rest of this post, please click the headline and go to the Thoughts On Quotes site.
More About: Life , Serve

Tell Someone What They Do Right Today
2007-11-28 17:45:00
"There is so much good in the worst of us, and so much bad in the best of us, that it behooves all of us not to talk about the rest of us." -Robert Louis Stevenson, 19th Century Scottish Novelist, Poet and Travel Writer, Robert Louis Stevenson books// Human nature is intrinsically filled with a tangled web of both good and bad intentions. We are all selfish, yet most would gladly lend you a helping hand when in need. We are all arrogant, yet most would be willing to admit they were wrong about something to avoid confrontation. We are all apathetic, yet most will jump into action when a threat to friends or family is perceived. We are all lazy, yet most are willing to work ten hours a day... To read the rest of this post, please click the headline and go to the Thoughts On Quotes site.
More About: Today , Some

You Deserve to be Happy at Work
2007-11-27 16:22:00
"The secret of joy in work is contained in one word - excellence. To know how to do something well is to enjoy it." -Pearl S. Buck, 20th Century American Writer, Pearl S. Buck books// People enjoy things that they are good at doing. Everyone has natural skills or talents waiting to be discovered, but it's difficult to find a way to employ those God-given abilities in the workplace. As a result, most people end up choosing hobbies that they love and jobs that they hate. "Joy in work," as Buck says, is found through the ability to achieve excellence, but how can you achieve that if your job isn't satisfying or compatible with your strengths? The fact is you can't. Bob Moawad said, "Fake it... To read the rest of this post, please click the headline and go to the Thoughts On Quotes site.
More About: Work , Happy , Serve

Who Wants to Make Some Money?
2007-11-26 15:50:00
"Happiness is not in the mere possession of money; it lies in the joy of achievement, in the thrill of creative effort." -Franklin Delano Roosevelt, former President of the United States, Franklin Delano Roosevelt books// Money . Money. Money. Money. (Pause - sound effect). Money! Money isn't everything, but it sure is nice to have. I agree with Roosevelt's theory that a greater happiness does come from achievement and creating something new, but it sure would be nice to make money while you're doing those things! Anyone who says they want to be successful and poor is kidding themselves. I respect Roosevelt tremendously as a President and leader, but he had money, so it's easy for him to... To read the rest of this post, please click the headline and go to the Thoughts On Quotes site.
More About: Make , Some

Foliage, Family and Football
2007-11-25 16:38:00
"Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower." -Albert Camus, 20th Century French Author and Philosopher, Albert Camus books// Foliage, family and football make fall an enriching time of year. As the leaves turn vibrant and the air becomes crisp, and the crackle of the fire and smell of seasoned wood, and the sounds of children playing in the piles of leaves, it is a season of both change and nostalgia. As Camus says, "every leaf is a flower" - a gift from nature before going dormant for the winter. Fall is a time for families to connect, break bread and give thanks, for veterans, liberty and freedom to live in peace. Fall is a family season, in which portraits are taken amidst a... To read the rest of this post, please click the headline and go to the Thoughts On Quotes site.
More About: Family , Football

Elvis says, "Be Yourself, Uh, huh"
2007-11-24 15:18:00
"The image is one thing and the human being is another...it's very hard to live up to an image." -Elvis Presley, American Music Icon, Elvis Presley books, DVDs, CDs// President. Manager. Secretary. Wife. Artist. Rock Star. Leader. Each of these words or titles produce distinct images in a person's mind. When they're attached to a specific person in your life, that individual becomes a combination of who they truly are and who you perceive them to be in their role. We each have images of who we are as well. Some learn to create an image based on reality and their true character and personality; however, most attempt to 'change' who they really are to try and become that thing in their mind... To read the rest of this post, please click the headline and go to the Thoughts On Quotes site.

Never Stop Trying
2007-11-23 16:14:00
"When I was young, I observed that nine out of ten things I did were failures. So I did ten times more work." -George Bernard Shaw, Renowned Irish Author, George Bernard Shaw books// Success is a numbers game - the more you do, the more you succeed. Failure, as Shaw points out, is a common outcome, and it's unfortunate when young people are not encouraged to overcome challenges in their lives. The key to success is learning from experiences - good and bad - without giving up. Trial and error is an effective strategy, whereas trial and quiting only produces one result. Disciplining yourself to be persistent is necessary to achieving your goals, and it helps to maintain a positive outlook... To read the rest of this post, please click the headline and go to the Thoughts On Quotes site.
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Give Thanks - Share the World
2007-11-21 16:51:00
"Stand up, on this Thanksgiving Day, stand upon your feet. Believe in man. Soberly and with clear eyes, believe in your own time and place. There is not, and there never has been a better time, or a better place to live in." -Phillips Brooks, 19th Century U.S. Clergyman and Author,Phillips Brooks books// Celebrate the world in which you live this Thanksgiving Day! We are all blessed to live in a country that memorializes a day to give thanks. I'm thankful to be an American, and I'm also thankful to live in a world that celebrates humanity and achievement. As Brooks said, even though he was referring to the late-19th Century, there is not a better time or place to be alive! On this day, I... To read the rest of this post, please click the headline and go to the Thoughts On Quotes site.
More About: World , Share , The World , Give , Hank

You Are a History Maker
2007-11-20 17:55:00
"Few will have the greatness to bend history itself; but each of us can work to change a small portion of events, and in the total of all those acts will be written the history of this generation." -Robert F. Kennedy, Former United States Senator and Attorney General, Robert Kennedy books// You are making history every day of your life. Your actions, or lack thereof, are part of the vast network of actions occurring across our nation (and the world) by the members of your generation - X, Y, Z, Boomer or Millennial. The world may not remember your name, but it will characterize and categorize your generations' mark on history. Some scholars say that there is no history, only biography. If... To read the rest of this post, please click the headline and go to the Thoughts On Quotes site.
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Just Be Yourself
2007-11-19 21:52:00
"I don't know the key to success, but the key to failure is trying to please everybody." -Bill Cosby, American Actor and Comedian, Bill Cosby books, CDs, DVDs// I was taught to always say 'please' and 'thank you,' but I was never encouraged to please everybody. Instead, I was told to simply be myself. Some people like me and appreciate my strengths. Some hate my guts and think I'm good for nothing. Others don't give me the time of day, even if I'm doing something exclusively for their benefit. No matter what people think of me, I can't change who I am, and I usually don't even bother to try. I believe in being polite and 'treating others as I would have them treat me,' but I don't... To read the rest of this post, please click the headline and go to the Thoughts On Quotes site.

Freedom Survives Through Our Children
2007-11-19 16:11:00
"Children should be educated and instructed in the principles of freedom." -John Adams, Second President of the United States and Founding Father, John Adams books// Freedom is a precious thing that must be understood in order to be preserved. America was founded on the principles of freedom, as Adams suggests, yet it does not mean that we are free to do whatever we please. Democratic values dictate that people are free to do things that do not impinge upon the rights and freedoms of others. In the United States, for example, you are free to speak your mind and state your views, but you are not free to slander or libel the good name of others. You are free to worship as you please, but... To read the rest of this post, please click the headline and go to the Thoughts On Quotes site.

The Common Sense Pill
2007-11-17 16:57:00
"Common sense ain't common." -Will Rogers, American Cowboy and Actor, Will Rogers books// Life would be a whole lot simpler if there was some sort of "common sense" pill that could be taken like a daily vitamin or energy drink. Politics, relationships and education are the fertile grounds for complexity to grow. The saying 'It would take an act of Congress' to achieve something came about for a reason - Congress is good at drawing things out, adding layers and feeding bureaucracy. In relationships, the saying 'making a mountain out of a mole hill' is particularly true, as most people are terrible listeners and don't recognize opportunities to end arguments and seek simple resolutions at... To read the rest of this post, please click the headline and go to the Thoughts On Quotes site.
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The Truth Will Never Change
2007-11-16 17:03:00
"Truth is tough. It will not break, like a bubble, at the touch, nay, you may kick it about all day like a football, and it will be round and full at evening." -Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr, Former American Supreme Court Jurist, Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr books// People say they want you to tell them the truth, but I've found that whenever someone makes this assertion it is rarely a "true" statement. They really want you to agree with them, whatever their opinion, action, desire or misconception may be at the time. Most think that the truth is something that, when beaten and tenderized like a piece of meat, will flatten and conform to their want or will; however, as Holmes alludes, you can kick... To read the rest of this post, please click the headline and go to the Thoughts On Quotes site.
More About: Change , Ruth , The Truth

The World Needs a New John Lennon
2007-11-15 17:12:00
"Imagine all the people living life in peace. You may say I'm a dreamer, but I'm not the only one. I hope someday you'll join us, and the world will live as one." -John Lennon , Legendary Rock Star, Lead Singer of The Beatles and Activist, John Lennon books, CDs, DVDs// These timeless lyrics from the song Imagine are as true today as when Lennon first sang them in 1971. It seems like the entire world is bogged down - waist deep in the muck of war, hatred and envy. The "dreamers," as Lennon called himself, are silenced or ignored, as the naysayers have dominated the global arena with a rhetoric of fear. Instead of looking for ways to unite the people of our world, leaders are overly focused... To read the rest of this post, please click the headline and go to the Thoughts On Quotes site.
More About: World , The World

Give Thanks for the Teachers
2007-11-14 18:57:00
"A teacher affects eternity; he can never tell where his influence stops." -Henry Brooks Adams, American Writer, Historian and Academic, Henry Brooks Adams books// Great teachers help to shape the character of young people throughout their entire lives. In today's society, with the popularity of adult ongoing education programs, teachers also have the ability to help influence older generations to think differently about the world. Education is an empowering objective for anyone to undertake, and those who endeavor to cultivate in this field are truly blessed to plant the seeds of knowledge on a daily basis. Younger students' minds are likely freshly turned earth, rich in nutrients and... To read the rest of this post, please click the headline and go to the Thoughts On Quotes site.
More About: Give , Teachers , Hank

The Wrath of Children
2007-11-13 20:08:00
"If you've never been hated by your child, then you've never been a parent." -Bette Davis, Academy Award-winning American Actress, Bette Davis books, DVDs// Parents have to make tough choices for their children to ensure that they remain safe and on the right path. This starts at a very young age, and it only gets harder as they get older. Babies are easy - they just want to eat, poop and share their love. Toddlers are a little more difficult because they start to understand when you take privileges away from them or tell them "NO!" Younger kids seem to get a little easier again because they know that you will reward them for good behavior. Then, teenagers go back to acting like big... To read the rest of this post, please click the headline and go to the Thoughts On Quotes site.
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The Quality of Political Leaders
2007-11-13 18:49:00
"If men of wisdom and knowledge, of moderation and temperance, of patience, fortitude and perseverance, of sobriety and true republican simplicity of manners, of zeal for the honour of the Supreme Being and the welfare of the commonwealth; if men possessed of these other excellent qualities are chosen to fill the seats of government, we may expect that our affairs will rest on a solid and permanent foundation." -Samuel Adams, Statesman, Philosopher, Brewer and Founding Father of the United States, Samuel Adams books// Wisdom, temperance, patience and fortitude - do these sound like accurate descriptors of our current political leaders in the United States? At the national level, there... To read the rest of this post, please click the headline and go to the Thoughts On Quotes site.
More About: Political , Leaders , Quality , Ality , Politic

Be Thankful - Fuel My Blog - Blog of the Day!
2007-11-12 22:14:00
"Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all the others." -Cicero, Ancient Roman Statesman and Philosopher, Cicero books// Thanks to everyone for helping make Thoughts on Quotes the "Blog of the Day" on Fuel My Blog! I sincerely appreciate your votes, comments and connections! To read the rest of this post, please click the headline and go to the Thoughts On Quotes site.
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