Wisdom

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“We are all constantly searching for guidance, someone or something to believe in and follow. And often, we turn to those who have proven themselves trustworthy in the past and have never let us down. But as the quote goes, ‘we are inclined to believe those whom we do not know because they have never deceived us.’

This is a powerful reminder that we should not be afraid to take a chance at new people, ideas, and opportunities. Just because someone is unfamiliar to us doesn’t mean they can’t be a source of inspiration and growth. Sometimes the unknown holds the most potential for change and progress.

So let’s embrace the unknown and dare to believe in those who have not yet had the chance to prove themselves. Who knows what amazing things we might discover and accomplish when we open ourselves up to new possibilities? Let’s have faith in the unknown and see where it takes us.”

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“He who is most creative conceals his sources the best.” This quote, attributed to the famous philosopher and mathematician Albert Einstein, but not to be sure, highlights the importance of creativity in art and innovation. It suggests that true creativity involves taking inspiration from various sources and transforming it into something new and original without revealing the sources of that inspiration. Take this blog post as a simple example.

But why is it important to conceal one’s sources in pursuing creativity? One reason is that it allows the creator to fully own their work and avoid accusations of plagiarism or copying. By concealing their sources, they can demonstrate that their ideas are indeed their own and not just a copy of someone else’s.

Additionally, concealing one’s sources allows for more incredible surprise and intrigue when presenting new work to an audience. When a piece of art or innovation is revealed to the world, it is often more impactful if the audience cannot easily trace its inspiration. This element of surprise can add to the mystery and allure of the work, making it more memorable and impactful.

In conclusion, the quote “he who is most creative conceals his sources the best” highlights the importance of originality and surprise in the pursuit of creativity. By concealing the sources of their inspiration, creators can fully own their work and create a greater impact with their ideas.

Have you ever been conversing with someone and found yourself drawn in by their quick wit and clever wordplay? It’s a remarkable quality that can make even the most mundane conversations enjoyable. But it is not just a tool for social interactions; it can also be a powerful force in our personal and professional lives.

Ralph Waldo Emerson understood the power of wit when he said, “it makes its welcome and levels of distinction.” In other words, it can cut through barriers and open doors that might otherwise remain closed. It’s a skill that can help us stand out in a crowded room and make a lasting impression on others.

But what exactly is wit, and how can we cultivate it in ourselves?

Simply put, it is the ability to use language cleverly and humorously. It’s the ability to think on your feet and come up with a clever remark or joke at just the right moment. While some people seem to have a natural talent for wit, it’s a skill that can be learned and developed over time.

One way to hone your wit is by reading and listening to others skilled at using it. Pay attention to how they craft their jokes and remarks, and try incorporating some of those techniques into your conversations. You can also practice your wit by responding quickly to prompts or jokes in your head. The more you practice, the better you’ll become at thinking on your feet and coming up with clever responses.

In addition to being a social asset, it can also be a valuable tool in the workplace. It can help you stand out in a job interview, make a strong impression on your colleagues, and even win over clients or customers. You can make your ideas more memorable and engaging by using wit to add a little bit of levity to a meeting or presentation.

So the next time you’re in a conversation or presentation and feel the urge to be witty, go for it! Remember that it makes its welcome and levels of distinction, which could be the key to helping you stand out and succeed. So, always try to be witty and make your mark in the world.

The Power of Reflection: How to Be a Mirror of Inspiration

In the words of Edith Wharton, “There are two ways of spreading light: to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it.” This quote speaks to our power to influence and inspire others and the two paths we can take.

Being a candle means taking the lead and actively shining a light on the world. It means providing inspiration and guidance for others and offering our knowledge and expertise to those who need it. This role requires courage and determination, seizing the spotlight, and vulnerability. You can be a candle. Just choose.

On the other hand, we can also choose to be a mirror that reflects the light of others. This means being open and receptive to the ideas and experiences of those around us and using our insights and perspective to amplify their message. By reflecting the light of others, we can help to spread their ideas and inspire change on a larger scale. You can also choose to be a mirror. Just choose.

Ultimately, both paths have the potential to make a positive impact on the world. Whether we choose to be a candle or a mirror, the most important thing is to use our unique talents and abilities to make a difference in the lives of those around us. So let’s all strive to be a source of light and inspiration and watch as it spreads far and wide.

Photo by Tobias Bjerknes on Unsplash

On a bitterly cold day, a group of disciples huddled around a fire with their master, seeking warmth and guidance. Inspired by their teachings, one of the disciples declared that he knew exactly what to do on a freezing day like this: keep warm.

But the disciple had a more profound answer when pressed for further clarification. He said that if keeping warm wasn’t possible, he knew what to do, too: freeze.

At first glance, this response may seem counterintuitive or even defeatist. After all, shouldn’t we strive to stay warm and comfortable, especially on a cold day? But the disciple’s words hold deeper wisdom.

We are the Cold Day

In many ways, our lives are like that cold day. We may try to avoid or reject certain circumstances or experiences that we perceive as unpleasant or uncomfortable. But ultimately, these are just the present realities of our lives, and running away from them is like running away from our own feet.

On the other hand, we may try to embrace and accept everything that comes our way, even if it causes us suffering. But this can be just as futile as trying to escape it all. According to the second verse of the first chapter of the book of James, the author encourages his brothers to find joy in facing trials of different kinds, as they serve to aid our personal growth.

The Key

The key is to see, understand, and be at rest with the present reality, whatever it may be. This doesn’t mean we can’t take action to change or improve our circumstances, but it does mean that we can find peace and acceptance in the present moment. Reality is our chance to do a rep to become a better human.

The next time you find yourself on a freezing day, remember the wisdom of the disciples and their master. Keep warm if you can, but if not, try to freeze – to find acceptance and peace with the present reality.