ADVICE TO LIVE BY

ADVICE TO LIVE BY

From time to time we hear or read advice that resonates with us. Words of wisdom that inspire or offer guidance on the reality of life. David Brooks, a columnist for the New York Times, published recently a column he entitled “The World’s Greatest Life Acts, For Now. ” He quotes from journalist Kevin Kelly writing in his Technium blog the following wise observations:

  • When you have 90% of a large project completed, finishing up the final details will take another 90%.
  • Anything you say before the word “but” does not count
  • getting cheated occasionally is a small price to pay for trusting the best of everyone, because when you trust the best in others they will treat you the best.
  • The thing that made you weird as a child could make you great as an adult.
  • It’s not an apology if it comes with an excuse.
  • Just because it’s not your fault doesn’t mean it’s not your responsibility.

Other quotes and wise observations that are significant to me include these:

  • He who never offended anyone, never did anyone any good
  • (Lyrics of a country-western song about having the chance to live life over) “faster horses, younger women and older whiskey”
  • Mark Twain: “always do right – that will gratify some and astonish the rest.”
  • When Aeschines spoke, they said, ‘How well he speaks. ‘ But when Demosthenes spoke, they said, ‘Let us march against Philip. ‘”
  • Life is a dance. Take one step at a time and keep listening for the music
  • Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn. -Benjamin Franklin
  • There are no failures – only feedback
  • Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react to it.

Then there is the story of the minister who was a  dedicated Democrat. Someone said to him “Why Reverend, you are so biased about politics you’d probably vote for the devil if he was a Democrat!”  The Reverend paused, thought awhile and replied “Well, maybe not in the primaries.”

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