Attentive

Definitions: (1) a person who hears what is said with careful interest; a good listener; (2) characterized by thoughtful regard or focus; mindful; observant; (3) heedful of the comfort of others; courteous; polite Synonyms: intent, watchful Compatible Qualities: curiosity, stick-to-itive Parental Quality: conscious Familial Qualities: alert, awake, aware, concentration, motivated Consequential Quality: fair Saying: Arrectis … Read more

Astute

Definition: insightful and penetrating; keen and discerning; exhibiting combined shrewdness, perspicacity, and diplomacy Derivation: Latin, “crafty” Synonyms: critical, sagacious, subtle Consequential Qualities: artful, tactful Quote: • When you have an elephant by the hind legs and it is trying to run away, it is best to let it run. — Abraham Lincoln (1809-1865) 16th President … Read more

Astounding

Definition: (1) overwhelming with wonder; shocking; (2) gobsmacked Quotes:• If we all did the things we are capable of doing, we would literally astound ourselves. — Thomas Alva Edison (1847-1931) American inventor• The game of life is a game of boomerangs. Our thoughts, deeds and words return to us sooner or later with astounding accuracy. … Read more

Astonishing

Definition: wonderfully surprising; amazing; flabbergasted; stupefy Quotes:• All that we don’t know is astonishing. Even more astonishing is what passes for knowing. — Philip Milton Roth (1933-2018) American novelist• Isn’t it astonishing that all these secrets have been preserved for so many years just so we could discover them! — Orville Wright (1871-1912) American aviationist

Assured

Definitions: (1) self-satisfied; self-possessed; bold; (2) convinced of the certainty or truth of a matter; confident; authoritative; self-assured; (3) relieved that things are okay again; reassured of a positive outcome Derivation: Latin, “toward security”     Note: The original Latin indicates there is always a bit of uncertainty in most certainties.          It is valuable to put … Read more

Assiduous

Definitions: (1) performed with constant attention; persevering; industrious; (2) constant in application; diligent; devoted; persistent Synonyms: sedulous, unremitting, zealous Quotes:• The first key to wisdom is assiduous and frequent questioning. — Peter Abelard (1709-1142) French philosopher• Because truth is exceedingly subtle and serene, the bliss of the Self can manifest only in a mind rendered … Read more

Assertive

Definitions: (1) stating positively; affirming; declaring with assurance; (2) bold; confident; (3) demonstrating the existence of <asserting his rights> Synonyms: aggressive, aver, avow Balancing Qualities: Gentleness, Understanding  Too Far: intrusive, obnoxious, rude Quotes:• The university is our culture’s assertion that what is made by the mind has value and can convey values. — Angelo Bartlett … Read more

Aspiring

Definitions: (1) to aim, long, or seek ambitiously <especially for something great or of high value>; (2) ascending; soaring Derivation: Latin, “ to breathe” Quotes:• Heaven and God are not high above us – far away; they are deep within us. Seekers of the eternal Truth will realize [it is] within their aspiring hearts. — Chinmoy … Read more

Ascending

Definition: moving upward; rising or increasing to higher levels, values, or degrees Quotes:• We live in an ascending scale when we live happily, one thing leading to another in an endless series. — Robert Louis Stevenson (1850-1894) Scottish poet• Truth cannot be brought down; rather, the individual must make the effort to ascend to it. … Read more

Artistic

Definitions: (1) done skillfully; aesthetically satisfying; (2) appreciative of art and beauty; sensitive to the arts People Who Exemplify This Quality: Henri Matisse (1869-1954) French Artist Proverb: Ars longa, vita brevis (Latin): “Art is long, life is short.” Quotes:• Art is the demonstration that the ordinary is extraordinary. — Amedee Ozenfant (1866-1966) French Cubist Painter• … Read more