I wish I’d said that!
Usually it’s better to listen than to speak. Mainly because there just might be others that have something more interesting and thought-provoking to say than what might spill out of my mouth. Along those lines, I’ve collected a bunch of quotes from people throughout the ages that might make you stop and think. Perhaps even reassess your positions on things. Go ahead, give it a read and take these words of wisdom to heart.
On creativity and determination:
What exactly is creativity? Most of us would say we don’t have an ounce of creativity in our bones. I don’t believe that’s true. Creativity doesn’t always mean the ability to paint, write, act or perform a song. It can present itself in many ways—how we raise our children, manage our employees or cook a meal.
So what’s the secret to a creative mind? Countless folks over the years have chimed in the subject.
Charles Mingus:
“Creativity is more than just being different. Anybody can plan weird; that’s easy. What’s hard is to be as simple as Bach. Making the simple, awesomely simple, that’s creativity.”
One of the most important figures in twentieth century American music, Charles Mingus was a virtuoso bass player, accomplished pianist, bandleader and composer. More on Mingus…
George Patton:
“If everyone is thinking alike, then somebody isn’t thinking.”
One of the most complicated military men of all time, General George Smith Patton, Jr. was known for carrying pistols with ivory handles and his intemperate manner, and is regarded as one of the most successful United States field commanders of any war. He continually strove to train his troops to the highest standard of excellence. More on Patton…
Frank Capra:
“A hunch is creativity trying to tell you something.”
Capra was the creative force behind major award-winning films during the 1930s and 1940s. His rags-to-riches story, having worked his way through college, has led film historians like Ian Freer to consider Capra the “American dream personified.” More on Capra…
Albert Einstein:
“The secret to creativity is knowing how to hide your sources.”
Today, the practical applications of Einstein’s theories include the development of the television, remote control devices, automatic door openers, lasers, and DVD-players. Recognized as TIME magazine’s “Person of the Century” in 1999, Einstein’s intellect, coupled his strong passion for social justice and dedication to pacifism, left the world with infinite knowledge and pioneering moral leadership. More on Einstein…
John F. Kennedy:
“A man may die, nations may rise and fall, but an idea lives on.”
As the years have gone by and other presidents have written their chapters in history, John Kennedy’s brief time in office (1961-1963) stands out in people’s memories for his leadership, personality, and accomplishments. More on Kennedy…
Isaac Bashevis Singer:
“The wastebasket is a writer’s best friend.”
Isaac Bashevis Singer was a Polish Jewish American author noted for his short stories. He was one of the leading figures in the Yiddish literary movement, and received the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1978. He is also well known for his memoir of his life, A Day Of Pleasure. More on Singer…
On optimism vs. pessimism:
How we view life has a direct impact on how our lives turn out. You don’t need a degree in psychology or philosophy to understand that. I’ve known my fair share of people that aren’t very happy who also coincidentally have a dark view of the world around them. It’s what you make of it that matters.
Winston Churchill:
“A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty.”
Sir Winston Churchill was a British Conservative politician and statesman known for his leadership of the United Kingdom during the Second World War. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest wartime leaders of the century and served as Prime Minister twice (1940–45 and 1951–55). More on Churchill…
Twyla Tharp:
“Optimism with some experience behind it is much more energizing than plain old experience with a certain degree of cynicism.”
Since the early 1960s, Twyla Tharp has choreographed more than one hundred thirty-five dances, five Hollywood movies, directed and choreographed four Broadway shows. More on Tharp…
Harold Wilson:
“I’m an optimist, but an optimist who carries a raincoat.”
Harold Wilson was a British Labour MP and Leader of the Labour Party. He was twice Prime Minister of the United Kingdom during the 1960s and 1970s, winning four general elections. He is the most recent British Prime Minister to have served non-consecutive terms. More on Wilson…
On heart vs. reason:
If we lead with our heart, it’s really important that it be tethered with a fair amount of consideration from our head. There are always unintended consequences attached to our actions. It takes a bit of reason and thought to temper our passions.
Theodore Roosevelt:
“I think there is only one quality worse than hardness of heart and that is softness of head.“
Teddy Roosevelt is mostly remembered as the 26th President of the United States, but this astonishingly multifaceted man was a great many other things as well, such as Vice President, Governor of New York, Assistant Secretary of the Navy and Colonel of the Rough Riders. More on Roosevelt…
Galileo Galilei:
“Where the senses fail us, reason must step in.”
Galileo Galilei (1564-1642) was an Italian scientist who supported Copernicanism, the idea that earth orbits the sun. For doing so, he was tried during the Roman Inquisition, found “suspect of heresy” and spent the rest of his life under house arrest. His findings changed our world view for all time. More on Galileo…
Thomas Jefferson:
“Errors of opinion may be tolerated where reason is left free to combat it.”
Thomas Jefferson was an author of the Declaration of Independence and the Statute of Virginia for Religious Freedom, third president of the United States, and founder of the University of Virginia. He voiced the aspirations of a new America as no other individual of his era. As public official, historian, philosopher, and plantation owner, he served his country for over five decades. More on Jefferson…
Benjamin Franklin:
“If passion drives you, let reason hold the reins.”
Benjamin Franklin was extremely important in the history of the move from thirteen individual colonies to one unified nation. His actions as elder statesman and diplomat helped ensure independence. His scientific and literary achievements helped him earn respect at home and abroad. While in England, he also received honorary degrees from St. Andrews and Oxford. His significance cannot be understated. More on Franklin…
Henry Ford:
“Thinking is the hardest work there is, which is probably the reason why so few engage in it.”
Henry Ford was a prominent American industrialist, the founder of the Ford Motor Company, and sponsor of the development of the assembly line technique of mass production. His introduction of the Model T automobile revolutionized transportation and American industry. As owner of the Ford Motor Company, he became one of the richest and best-known people in the world. More on Ford…
Voltaire:
“Prejudices are what fools use for reason.”
After being exiled from France due to his writing, Voltaire came back only to again flee Paris after another uproar. He is best known for his tome, Candide (1759), a satire on philosophical optimism. He also took an interest in any cases of injustice, especially resulting from religious prejudice. More on Voltaire…
Hope you found these inspiring and enjoyable. I did. Just thought I’d share. I welcome your comments and your favorites quotes. BTW: There will be a follow-up post with some more words of wisdom.