Greatness is not found in possessions, power, position, or prestige. It is discovered in goodness, humility, service, and character.
William Arthur WardRead
We can learn much from wise words, little from wisecracks, and less from wise guys.
Interpretation
Wise words are valuable for learning, while jokes and foolishness provide little insight.
This quote highlights the importance of meaningful and insightful communication over trivial or sarcastic remarks. It suggests that while we can gain knowledge and perspective from truly wise individuals, we should be cautious about placing value on witty comments or those who exhibit foolishness, as they contribute less to our understanding and growth.
In practice
In a motivational speech about the value of education and thoughtful discussion.
Greatness is not found in possessions, power, position, or prestige. It is discovered in goodness, humility, service, and character.
The optimist lives on the peninsula of infinite possibilities; the pessimist is stranded on the island of perpetual indecision.
Four steps to achievement: Plan purposefully. Prepare prayerfully. Proceed positively. Pursue persistently.
A warm smile is the universal language of kindness.
Change, like sunshine, can be a friend or a foe, a blessing or a curse, a dawn or a dusk.
Do more than be fair: be kind.
In matters of style, swim with the current; in matters of principle, stand like a rock.
We should allow others' excellences, to preserve a modest opinion of our own.
Fools ignore complexity. Pragmatists suffer it. Some can avoid it. Geniuses remove it.
It's almost a blessing when we meet people who naturally want to do the sort of things that are in high demand in society. What a gift to do that, as opposed to other people who would say, 'I want to be a novelist but actually I have to be an accountant.'
Reason, too late perhaps, may convince you of the folly of misspending time.
If it doesn't feel right, don't do it. That is the lesson, and that lesson alone will save you a lot of grief.
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