Tag: quotes

Categories
Quotes

Wisdom and Humility

"The greatest lesson in life is to know that even fools are right sometimes." Winston Churchill

“The greatest lesson in life is to know that even fools are right sometimes.”

Winston Churchill

It is too easy to write someone off because they have been foolish in the past. We put labels on those we don’t agree with because it is easier than carefully considering if there is some truth in their assertions.

We may even feel threatened that a group we don’t agree with has a good idea that we haven’t thought of. Surely if it was a good idea, we would have thought of it, right?

Wisdom takes humility. Every person can teach us something. It takes discernment to listen and consider other points of view. The echo chamber we are tempted to live in eventually makes us deaf.

Even fools are right sometimes. Humility makes us consider that to someone else, we may look like a fool and we are right sometimes too.

Categories
writing

Keep it Simple

Today is Charles Staple Lewis’ birthday. He was born on this day 123 years ago. I encountered his writing when I wanted a great series of books to read with my children. I soon found out how he had a gift for writing profound concepts in a simple manner. This quote by Lewis reminds me to

“Don’t use words too big for the subject. Don’t say ‘infinitely’ when you mean ‘very’; otherwise you’ll have no word left when you want to talk about something really infinite.”

C. S. Lewis via BrainyQuote.com

I have to watch this because when I learn a new word, I can feel tempted to find a way to wedge it into a sentence. For instance, today’s Merriam-Webster’s Word of the Day is obfuscate. On one hand, it is the perfect word to describe what C. S. Lewis was talking about. It means, to make something more difficult to understand.

On the other hand, why would I want to use that when I could just say, “keep it simple?” What is the purpose of using complicated, rarely-used words when a simple one will do?

Therefore, I will try to honor Lewis by avoiding words that are too big for the subject. Keep it simple, Kevin!

Categories
motivation

Learning Leads to Change

Learning Leads to Change

How do we know if someone really learns something? Learning leads to change. Check out this learning and change quote:

Change is the end result of all true learning.

Leo Buscaglia

If we learn something valuable, but it doesn’t lead to changes in behavior or tactics, have we really learned it? We can learn interesting facts and trivia. But if the only benefit is that it helps us win trivia games, is it true learning?

True learning goes from the head to the heart. It helps us reconsider previous beliefs. It opens our eyes to new possibilities. True learning takes the humility to reconsider if our previous beliefs still serve us well.

Otherwise, if learning something confirms our previous biases, is it really helpful? It can be threatening to learn something new that changes our outlook and actions. But it can be transforming and effective as well.

Categories
motivation

Do You Wish to Rise?

Quote by Saint Augustine: Do you wish to rise? Begin by descending. You plan a tower that will pierce the clouds? Lay first the foundation of humility.

Today, November 13, is the birthday of Augustine of Hippo. As best as we can tell, he was born 1667 years ago today. I admire his devotion and his habit of writing copiously. But one of his quotes has me reflective today.

“Do you wish to rise? Begin by descending. You plan a tower that will pierce the clouds? Lay first the foundation of humility.”

Saint Augustine of Hippo

Humility isn’t something we typically associate with leaders. After all, doesn’t it take a big man or woman to get anything done? Shouldn’t the spoils go to the victor? And isn’t the victor someone with a lot of chutzpah, ego, and audaciousness?

Yet we have seen many victors that have been brought down by hubris. If there isn’t a foundation of humility when a leader faces trouble, the foundation crumbles. A foundation of humility is crucial for sustained success.

Humility allows you to

  • Be willing to learn and change before success turns to decline
  • Lend a helping hand
    • You never know who may return the favor
    • It reminds you of what is truly important
    • Goodwill is the best public relations
  • Consider alternatives to “the way we’ve always done it”
  • Take criticism in a positive way
  • Listen when the temptation is to defend and attack
  • Allow others to come aside as co-leaders and team members
  • Keeps a temper from exploding and causing collateral damage

A foundation of humility pays big dividends. It is so hard to practice when success comes. Yet, it is better to humble yourself than have others do it for you.

Categories
motivation Quotes

Courage is Contagious

Quote from Billy Graham: "Courage is contagious. When a brave man takes a stand, the spines of others are often stiffened."

Today would have been Billy Graham’s 103rd birthday. There appear to be other people that have made this statement. Looks like my former governor wrote a book with this title. But I think Graham says it best.

“Courage is contagious. When a brave man takes a stand, the spines of others are often stiffened.”

Billy Graham

I see courage as less of an emotion and more of a virtue. You can be afraid, yet courageous. The odds may be stacked against you, and your anxiety is high, yet you can still be courageous. First responders and soldiers show courage every day thanks to their commitment and training.

The average man or woman can show it as well. It may be less because of training, but more of a commitment to virtue or a cause. When we know what we stand for, we are willing to stand up for it. That commitment to courage can inspire others to do the same.

When courage is combined with commitment and kindness, the world is a much better place. Billy Graham showed that kind of courage. May we show commitment, kindness, and courage on his birthday.