What a curious power words have
[A] quotation is a handy thing to have about, saving one the trouble of thinking for oneself, always a laborious business.
Complex ideas conveyed in a few word, where layers of truth and meaning make make us stop and think is what makes for great quotes. Here are some favourites from my collection, and I’ve left out the source intentionally. This is to remove the frame of reference shaping the quote, encouraging those reading to interpret for themselves.
The struggle ends when the gratitude begins
My takeaway – Being grateful is powerful as it removes so much negativity in any context.
Easy decision hard life, hard decision easy life
My takeaway – Taking it a step further into decision making in general, this is very similar to ‘Failing to plan, is planning to fail’. Many times, the easy decision is no decision.
To achieve great things, two things are needed: a plan and not quite enough time
My takeaway – This resonates with me, as my best work is when there is pressure. Also, it means relinquishing the self imposed expectation of perfectionism.
The easier to quantify the less it’s worth
My takeaway – As we’re becoming so obsessed with data, this quote has become more pointed. It is hard to articulate the price and the components of what we truly value in life.
You’re body requires movement, your mind require stillness.
My takeaway – Too often we end up the other way around. What is challenging is reaching not one or the other, but both.
Please share any favourite quotes in the comments below.
“What is success? To laugh often and much; To win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; To earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; To appreciate the beauty; To find the best in others; To leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch Or a redeemed social condition; To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived; This is to have succeeded.”