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The Certainty of Stupidity
2007-09-25 22:37:00
"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the universe." -Albert Einstein, German Theoretical Physicist, Albert Einstein books// Coming from Einstein, this quote probably seemed a little condescending or elitist, but it is true nonetheless. Even the smartest people I know do stupid things, which helps to temper my reverence towards them. I, myself, am prone to acts of stupidity from time to time too, such as getting off the wrong exit, wearing clothes that don't quite match and stating the obvious to others at times. I wonder if Einstein might have been referring to a more ethereal level of stupidity though, such as war, famine, discrimination or... To read the rest of this post, please click the headline and go to the Thoughts On Quotes site.
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Decent Dissent
2007-09-25 22:14:00
"We must not confuse dissent with disloyalty. When the loyal opposition dies, I think the soul of America dies with it." -Edward R. Murrow, American Journalist, Edward R. Murrow books// Dissent ers are often viewed unfairly in a negative light; however, dissent is a very positive force that drives government and organizations to examine itself and its actions thoroughly and completely. Dissent ensures that questions are asked and answered by the powers that be. Dissent probes motives to uncover truth. Dissent is an American tradition ingrained in our society. Loyal dissent is one of the truest forms of honesty and involvement, and it should be embraced by those in positions of power or... To read the rest of this post, please click the headline and go to the Thoughts On Quotes site.

Unlocking Inner Strength
2007-09-24 22:38:00
"People do not lack strength, they lack will." -Victor Hugo, French Writer, Statesman and Activist, Victor Hugo books// When confronted with dire circumstances, the stories of human strength always amaze me. Not just the physical strength displayed in a car crash or avalanche, but more especially the mental and emotional strength of those who go through devastating experiences and yet continue to exhibit a positive attitude. All of us have unique strengths and talents that help define who we are, and each of us also has that hidden strength of spirit that comes out when we need it most. When Hugo refers to the lack of "will," I tend to think of those who allow challenges or obstacles to... To read the rest of this post, please click the headline and go to the Thoughts On Quotes site.
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Small Opportunities
2007-09-24 17:40:00
"Small opportunities are often the beginning of great enterprises." -Demosthenes, Ancient Greek Statesman and Orator, Demosthenes books// One could argue that success is directly related to a person's ability to perceive and act upon the right opportunity. One could also argue that there are dozens, or hundreds, of such opportunities presented to every person throughout the course of one's life. If this is true, then why aren't more people successful? Demosthenes points out that great things usually start from small beginnings. I would argue that most people do recognize good opportunities when presented to them; however, they fail to achieve success because they don't realize that there's... To read the rest of this post, please click the headline and go to the Thoughts On Quotes site.
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The Life in Your Years
2007-09-24 16:52:00
"And in the end, it's not the years in your life that count. It's the life in your years." -Abraham Lincoln, former President of the United States, Abraham Lincoln books// Life is a tricky thing. We are often confronted with difficult challenges, as well as thousands of unimportant distractions. With so many "things" that need to be done every day, it's easy to take the most precious thing we have for granted - time. The activities that occupy our daily lives are, nonetheless, important for us to complete. We must work, clean, care for our children and each other, eat, sleep and commute or travel. The question becomes are we making the most of the time we have available in this life?... To read the rest of this post, please click the headline and go to the Thoughts On Quotes site.
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The Lost Art of Conversation
2007-09-15 04:54:00
"People say conversation is a lost art; how often I have wished it were." -Edward R. Murrow, American Journalist, Edward R. Murrow books// There's nothing like the sound of silence. To most, silence is uncomfortable when in the company of others; however, to me, it is a pleasant indicator that the companionship has evolved to a level of trust that does not require constant affirmation. I enjoy a healthy conversation with a friend, but I appreciate the ability to sit in another person's company without feeling the pressure to talk. Sometimes it's good to think between conversations, rather than carry on about nothing of consequence in order to pass the time or fill space. Yet, I... To read the rest of this post, please click the headline and go to the Thoughts On Quotes site.
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Short and Sweet
2007-09-15 04:30:00
"Be sincere; be brief; be seated." -Franklin Delano Roosevelt, former President of the United States, Franklin Delano Roosevelt books// The world is full of windbags, blowhards and people who just love the sound of their own voice. To be sure, brevity is a virtue that is hard to come by, and it takes an extremely disciplined soul to embrace this principle. Also, as Franklin states, sincerity is lost on a long-winded response, which usually has the ring of an excuse. So what do you do when you find yourself rambling on like a 12-year-old at a slumber party? Take a look around you, there is likely some other fool chomping at the bit to take over the conversation. What if you're a... To read the rest of this post, please click the headline and go to the Thoughts On Quotes site.
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Forgive and Forget?
2007-09-11 22:30:00
"Forgive your enemies, but never forget their names." -John F. Kennedy, Former President of the United States, John F. Kennedy books// On this, the sixth anniversary of the September 11th terrorist attacks on America, I think that I'm ready to forgive those individuals involved. Not for them, but for me. I need to let go of the anger felt toward those who violated our nation and killed so many innocent people. While I'm ready to forgive and move on, I will never forget what happened on that day. Like many others who witnessed the event from a distance, I felt helpless. Even though I spent several days volunteering at the local Red Cross, it just didn't seem like I was doing enough. Like... To read the rest of this post, please click the headline and go to the Thoughts On Quotes site.
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Equalize Yourself
2007-09-10 22:12:00
"When you meet someone better than yourself, turn your thoughts to becoming his equal. When you meet someone not as good as you are, look within and examine your own self." -Confucius, Ancient Chinese Philosopher, Confucius books It's easy to judge others, but it's hard to judge yourself! Lately, I've heard sports commentators suggest that star athletes must always think that they are better than everyone else. Celebrities of all kinds seem to subscribe to this same philosophy. Their egos are so big, and their self-opinions so high, that the only way to look when meeting others is down on them. And when I see my kids looking up to these kinds of people with adulation, it's enough to make... To read the rest of this post, please click the headline and go to the Thoughts On Quotes site.

How Big Is Your World?
2007-09-10 17:21:00
"My country is the world, and my religion is to do good." -Thomas Paine, British-born American Revolutionary Writer and Intellectual, Thomas Paine books Not many have the world view that Thomas Paine describes, and even fewer would suggest that good works rank above faith in religion. Paine was an independent thinker though, who influenced leaders in both the American and French revolutions. Paine was a controversial yet impassioned writer, and he felt it a duty to express his opinions about leadership, government, society and religion. It must have been refreshing for the likes of Thomas Jefferson and Benjamin Franklin, but I imagine others, like Napoleon and various religious... To read the rest of this post, please click the headline and go to the Thoughts On Quotes site.
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A Dangerous World
2007-09-10 16:39:00
"The world is a dangerous place, not because of those who do evil, but because of those who look on and do nothing." -Albert Einstein, German Theoretical Physicist, Albert Einstein books How do evil people get into positions of power? One way, I'm sure, is because they fill a void in others' lives that likely resulted from feelings of neglect or repression. Another way might be fueling an individual or group's pride or desire for significance. Hitler, Mussolini, Amin, Bin Laden - they all achieved positions of power in broad daylight, in front of millions of their own people. Evil leaders come to power because of the apathy of those who witness their rise; and, when that apathy plagues an... To read the rest of this post, please click the headline and go to the Thoughts On Quotes site.
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Greater Power
2007-09-10 06:19:00
"I hope our wisdom will grow with our power, and teach us, that the less we use our power the greater it will be." -Thomas Jefferson, former President of the United States, Thomas Jefferson books Less is more, especially when it comes to demonstrating a nation's power. The United States has gone through many periods of both isolation and expansion on the world stage, but in the modern era it seems that Jefferson's advice has been largely ignored. The U.S. has propelled itself into being the world's police force and supposed savior all at once. As the lone remaining "Superpower," it begs the question "Why?" What is the wisdom in getting involved in civil wars? Then once involved and it... To read the rest of this post, please click the headline and go to the Thoughts On Quotes site.
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Enough Said
2007-09-10 05:57:00
"A short saying often contains much wisdom." -Sophocles, Ancient Greek Tragedian, Sophocles books My grandfather was a man of very few words. He was quiet yet strong, and when he spoke I listened. He didn't even have to speak to communicate what he was thinking - a look would usually tell me to pause, stop or continue what I was doing. People of few words, like my grandfather, strike me as having a wisdom based on experience in life, whereas those who ramble on have likely mastered little more than words. A former boss often advised me to "Talk less; listen more." He reminded me of my grandfather. To read the rest of this post, please click the headline and go to the Thoughts On Quotes site.

Pursuing Your Goals
2007-09-09 18:25:00
"Let me tell you the secret that has led me to my goal: my strength lies solely in my tenacity." -Louis Pasteur, French Chemist, Louis Pasteur books I was never the smartest, wittiest or best looking kid in the class, but I always found a way to succeed. Like Pasteur, I tenaciously pursued my goals, working harder than those around me. I studied longer; I got informed; and, I worked out twice as long. As a result, I got excellent grades, rarely lost an argument and beat out more talented natural athletes in both high school and college sports. If you know what you want and have the will to pursue it with intensity, you will likely be able to achieve your goals in life. People with amazing... To read the rest of this post, please click the headline and go to the Thoughts On Quotes site.
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The Fine Print
2007-09-09 05:28:00
"Education is when you read the fine print. Experience is what you get if you don't." -Pete Seeger, American Folk Singer and Political Activist, Pete Seeger books How many people read the fine print? When surfing the net or buying software, you are normally presented with a lengthy Terms and Conditions. Do you read every line, or do you simply click on the "Accept" button? What about when you're subscribing to a cell phone or satellite radio plan? I bet the majority of us have had the "experience" of getting sucked into a lengthy subscription plan with hefty penalties for early cancellation. And, don't get me started on the extended warranty options when buying a car! You need a magnifying... To read the rest of this post, please click the headline and go to the Thoughts On Quotes site.
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Common Courtesy
2007-09-09 05:02:00
"Life is short, but there is always time for courtesy." -Ralph Waldo Emerson, American Writer, Ralph Waldo Emerson books Holding a door for a stranger, especially a woman or child. Saying "Please" and "Thank You" often and with sincerity. Standing when you meet a person for the first time, and extending your hand openly in friendship. Begging the pardon of others when you have unintentionally wronged or offended them. Actively listening to the thoughts and ideas of others, and acknowledging with gratitude their willingness to share them with you. Ignoring your cell phone when you are in a conversation with another. Showing respect to your elders by using "Sir" or "Ma'am," if you are... To read the rest of this post, please click the headline and go to the Thoughts On Quotes site.
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No Cure for Apathy
2007-09-09 04:25:00
"Science may have found a cure for most evils; but it has found no remedy for the worst of them all - the apathy of human beings." -Helen Keller, American Author and Activist, Helen Keller books So often the easiest course of action is to do nothing. Don't participate; don't speak up; don't rock the boat. Someone else will eventually take the lead (and the heat), so why should you get involved? These are the actions, and the attitude, of people who coast through life, following the lead of others with blind faith and a convenient ignorance. What a waste, and what a tragedy, it is to see apathy take hold of individuals, communities and society. The world would have suffered a great loss if... To read the rest of this post, please click the headline and go to the Thoughts On Quotes site.
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Change Yourself
2007-09-08 17:56:00
"They say that time changes things, but you actually have to change them yourself." -Andy Warhol, American Pop Artist, Andy Warhol books I find this quote extremely liberating. Time is a constant not a control. We are in control of what we do at all times. Sure, things evolve over time, especially people. We all learn, grow, mature and change based on our experiences, decisions and actions. Time is the neutral commodity of life, of which the units we rarely have enough yet we frequently squander them, that records our journey from the cradle to the grave. It is the straight line around which our decisions spiral - the force pulling us constantly toward our ultimate end. Along the way,... To read the rest of this post, please click the headline and go to the Thoughts On Quotes site.
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Leaders Make Leaders
2007-09-08 17:32:00
"I start with the premise that the function of leadership is to produce more leaders, not more followers." -Ralph Nader, American Attorney and Political Activist, Ralph Nader books Lead ers make leaders - reality or fiction? In everyday life, it is rare to find a person in a position of leadership who follows this principle. The norm, it seems, is for people with power to subjugate those beneath them. A hierarchy in which the workers, or the people, serve the leader, or the master, is commonplace in the workplace, government and, unfortunately, the home. Every once in a while, though, a true leader comes into your life. He/She is the coach you respected most; the teacher that inspired you... To read the rest of this post, please click the headline and go to the Thoughts On Quotes site.
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Something is better than Everything
2007-09-08 17:03:00
"We are all something, but none of us are everything." -Blaise Pascal, French Mathematician and Philosopher, Blaise Pascal books You've heard the expression "all things to all people" or "jack of all trades, master of none" probably a hundred times at work or in conversation. The overachievers around you are constantly trying to do everything and be everywhere, while the rest of us are busy filling in the gaps. It's frustrating, then, when you interact with these people and somehow feel guilty for not doing more, right? Well, it shouldn't be. Every person has the ability to make a contribution, and every contribution - big or small - matters when trying to achieve a goal, complete a... To read the rest of this post, please click the headline and go to the Thoughts On Quotes site.
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Too Many Rules
2007-08-19 18:41:00
"The fewer rules a coach has, the fewer rules there are for players to break." -John Madden, NFL Player, Coach and Commentator, John Madden books The problem with having a lot of rules is having to enforce them. Instead of building on things that are going right, a plethora of rules will ensure that the majority of your time is spent monitoring what is going wrong. In sports, coaches are responsible for developing their players and strengthening their teams - umpires are paid to ensure that the rules of the game are observed by all. If a coach has to be an umpire off the field, it is a distraction from working on more productive activities with the players. Some may say that Madden's... To read the rest of this post, please click the headline and go to the Thoughts On Quotes site.
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Looks Are Deceiving
2007-08-18 23:07:00
"What a strange illusion it is to suppose that beauty is goodness." -Leo Tolstoy, Russian Writer and Philosopher, Leo Tolstoy books Most people associate beauty with goodness, probably because beautiful things make you feel good when you look at them. As Tolstoy correctly alludes, though, looking at something does not reveal its true essence or nature. The Forbidden Fruit was likely an appealing sample among the other items in the Garden of Eden, but once Adam and Eve did more than look at it, they found that the consequences were not so attractive. It's an age-old lesson that few heed, especially when it comes to people. Beautiful people are treated differently. It's a fact that can... To read the rest of this post, please click the headline and go to the Thoughts On Quotes site.
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Disney Magic
2007-08-18 21:23:00
"I love Mickey Mouse more than any woman I've ever known." -Walt Disney , American Entrepreneur and Entertainment Mogul, Walt Disney books I'm not sure that I love Mickey Mouse more than my wife, daughter or mother, but he could be in the Top 10 on my list. I recently had the opportunity to experience what has been called the "Disney Magic ." My family and I went to Disney World in Orlando, along with five other family members. There were three kids and six adults on the trip. Most people think going to Disney World in the summertime is insane, but in spite of the 110+ degree heat, we had an amazing time! There's something about the place that brings out the kid in everyone, including my... To read the rest of this post, please click the headline and go to the Thoughts On Quotes site.

What do you know?
2007-08-18 21:00:00
"We don't know a millionth of one percent about anything." -Thomas Edison, American Inventory, Thomas Edison books Even though I try to learn something new every day, it always seems that I never know enough. The more I learn, the more I realize I don't know; and, there's always someone who knows more than me about everything and anything. It's frustrating because, at some point, I'd like to be known as the "best" at something - a subject matter expert to the Nth degree. I'm not a genius, though, like Edison, Franklin, Curie, Einstein or Newton, so I'm not exactly sure what I could try to become an expert at very easily. How did these people determine that they were going to pursue the... To read the rest of this post, please click the headline and go to the Thoughts On Quotes site.

I Said I Don't Know
2007-08-07 04:34:00
"I was gratified to be able to answer promptly. I said I don't know." -Mark Twain, American Writer, Mark Twain books Not many people are willing to admit they don't know the answer to something, unless they are asked for the fifteenth time by a small child. There is a great ease in the world with the art of b#llsh@t, which has been passed down from father to son. Men are much more likely to pontificate about things they have little or no in-depth knowledge, whereas women simply seem to exaggerate the truth from time to time to make a point or teach a lesson. "Did you know that there are millions of microscopic bugs living on your pillow?" a male friend of mine said. I responded with a... To read the rest of this post, please click the headline and go to the Thoughts On Quotes site.
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Political Apathy - Dumb Politics
2007-08-06 15:45:00
"Those who are too smart to engage in politics are punished by being governed by those who are dumber." -Plato, Ancient Greek Philosopher, Plato books "Poli tics " is a dirty word in most households, workplaces and conversations. At home, people want peace; at work, people want productivity; and in conversations, people want amusement. Politics is none of those things. It is, to most, belligerent, futile and antagonistic. As a result, many of the greatest leaders choose not to get involved in the political arena. It's a shame, too, because few realize the impact local and national politicians have on their daily lives. Tax rates, planning and zoning decisions, corporate regulations, foreign... To read the rest of this post, please click the headline and go to the Thoughts On Quotes site.
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Truth in Advertising
2007-08-06 04:57:00
"Advertisements contain the only truths to be relied on in a newspaper." -Thomas Jefferson, former President of the United States, Thomas Jefferson books Jefferson was not a fan of newspapers. Unlike his friend and mentor Benjamin Franklin who revelled in the medium, Jefferson seemed to regard all journalism as Yellow Journalism. To say that the ads were the only truth to find in a newspaper of the day was either a cynical retort or an honest assessment of the bias in reporting at the time. It would be difficult to make the same assertion about modern newspapers, as truth in advertising is not exactly embraced or heralded as a viable strategy. The majority of ads come with asterisks,... To read the rest of this post, please click the headline and go to the Thoughts On Quotes site.
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The Opposite of Talking
2007-08-05 23:13:00
"The opposite of talking isn't listening. The opposite of talking is waiting." -Fran Lebowitz, American author, Fran Lebowitz books Good listeners are hard to find. Most people are great talkers but terrible listeners, especially on the phone. How many times have you been talking on the phone and find the need to repeat a point you made several times? And when this happens in person, it drives me nuts! It seems like everyone is concerned that the other person isn't getting the message, so somehow repeating it over and over again will force it through. My wife says that I'm not much of a conversationalist, but in actuality, I enjoy thoughtful dialogue very much in which both people share,... To read the rest of this post, please click the headline and go to the Thoughts On Quotes site.
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"There is more to life than increasing its speed....
2007-08-04 06:23:00
"There is more to life than increasing its speed." -Mahatma Gandhi, Political Activist and Spiritual Leader from India, Mahatma Gandhi books Nowadays everyone is in such a rush, even on Sundays. It's like people have abandoned the concept of taking a day off to relax, enjoy life and slow down a little. Gone are the days of "Sunday drivers" - their licenses to leisure have been officially revoked. Now, every day is race day on the highways and in our homes. Society encourages both a more-more-more and a now-now-now attitude. How many times have you seen a guy in Starbucks with a Bluetooth and... To read the rest of this post, please click the headline and go to the Thoughts On Quotes site.
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Read It Now, Read It Later
2007-08-03 21:36:00
"Never read a book that is not a year old." -Ralph Waldo Emerson, American writer,Ralph Waldo Emerson books I have to admit that I rarely buy books hot off the presses. In fact, unless it was a gift or a required reading for work or school, I don't think that I've ever bought myself a brand new book. This is probably due to the fact that I mostly read biographies, non-fiction and classics, so there usually isn't a big rush to go and get the new releases. My wife, on the other hand, is addicted to romance novels, especially Nora Roberts or J.D. Robb or whatever pen name she uses. When a new... To read the rest of this post, please click the headline and go to the Thoughts On Quotes site.
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