Philosophy

Causes and effects are a result of thought. — Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance, Robert M. Pirsig (1928-) Philosopher There are lots of different and appropriate ways to be Affectionate with almost everyone. A respectful attitude while truely listening to another is a good start. A smile almost always works. Genuine complements are … Read more

We can have more than we’ve got because we can become more than we are. — Jim Rohn (1930-) Author One may behave in a Seemly manner, as the definition indicates “with reference to conventional standards of conduct,” and yet the standard could need updating. The apostles were shocked that Jesus would speak with Nalda, … Read more

We are what we pretend to be. — Kurt Vonnegut (1922-2007) Author We all have some Fine qualities. As we refine them, they Cozy up to each other coalescing in a family of values we show to ourselves and to the rest of the world. Peace, Jim         COZY Definitions: (1) enjoying or affording warmth … Read more

Who wills, can. Who tries, does. Who loves, lives. — Dragon Flight, Anne McCaffrey (1926-2011) Author This is a good example of how qualities work together for the greatest good. A person who thinks themselves extra Extraordinary will hold themselves above others. But add a good measure of Humility and they will see themselves from … Read more

You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose. — Dr. Theodor Seuss Geisel (1904-1991) Author Some qualities are primarily active (Enterprising) and others are passive (Favored) but one can admire a favorite because the apple of their eye is creative, inventive, takes the … Read more

We become what we do. — Dune, Frank Patrick Herbert (1920-1986) Author One piece of general advice these days is to take yourself out of the equation. A healthy sense of self is necessary, and yet it is not an excuse to be selfish. A good way to create a balance is to think of … Read more

Should a person perform a meritorious action, he should do it again and again; he should find pleasure therein: blissful is the accumulation of merit. — Buddhism, Dharmmapada 18 It is a tall order to ask someone to spontaneously manufacture Vibrant Blissfulness. We do not go around in a state of energetic vitality all of … Read more

The secret of life is enjoying the passage of time. — James Vernon Taylor (1948-) Composer A sweet little baby is Endearing. Each of us comes into this world with a set of values gifted to us simply by the generosity of grace. As we grow, it is our responsibility to expand these elemental qualities … Read more

The ancient question is still awaiting an answer: What features in our brain account for our humanity, our musical creativity, infinitely varied artifacts, subtlety of humor, sophisticated projection (in chess, politics, and business), our poetry, ecstasy, fervor, contorted morality, and elaborate rationalization? — Theodore H. Bullock (1915-2005) Neurobiologist Sapient and Metaphysical are not words we … Read more

‘To be is to do’ — Socrates ‘To do is to be’ — Jean‑Paul Sartre ‘Do‑be‑do‑be‑do’ — Frank Sinatra — Kurt Vonnegut (1922-2007) Author This week’s Positive Qualities are Helpful and Forgiving. These are a couple of the big qualities. That is to say, so much is riding on them. Also, I had a lot … Read more