Quote of The Day 4-6-13

 

"Risk is part of the process."

-Larry Diamond

Yes indeed it is.  If you want something, if your desire demands as most minds will, even if that desire is to desire nothing, then you must take the risk.  You simply do not get anywhere by not taking chances.  End of argument.

Larry Diamond (1951-) is an American scholar in the fields of sociology and political science.  He is a professor at Stanford University and has been published widely on the subjects of foreign policy, foreign aid, and democracy.  Diamond serves as a senior fellow of the Freeman Spogli Institue for International Studies which is Stanford's hub for researching international issues.  This organization aided significantly in constructing a technological community between Tehrir Square in Egypt and Silicon Valley during the recent uprising in Egypt which ousted President Mubarak.  Diamond was also a senior advisor to the Coalition Provisional Authority in Iraq, is an advisory board member of the Roosevelt Institution, and a senior fellow at the Hoover Institution.

Quote of The Day 4-5-13

"A little unlearning goes a long way."

-Richard Kehl

Okay.  This one is not going to be for everybody.  I chose this one to highlight what I will sophomorically describe as my artsy-fartsy attitude towards life.  This passage is certainly not a creed that can be applied in general to living.  Try if you like, but in the realm of pragmatism I imagine it will not serve you well.  However, if you wish to witness beauty or be stimulated through art or create art, then this is a wonderful quote to guide you.  Because art, whether it be painting, sculpture, music, or other type of performance, should be witnessed with a naked eye free of cultural inhibitions.  Of course there are limits to everything including our mental capabilities.  And to wipe one's slate clean of learned expectations and norms is nigh impossible.  But to unlearn just a little bit can possibly prod you towards "learning" a little something new.

Richard Kehl is a visual artist originally from Mexico, Missouri.  Kehl gained his reputation as an abstract painter during his time studying at the Kansas City Art Institute where he earned both a B.F.A. and M.F.A.  His art which he defines as "Kehlages" have been exhibited in over 70 galleries in New York, Washington D.C., St. Louis, Seattle, Tokyo, and Paris.  Kehl has published nineteen books and has a multitude of corporate clients.

Quote of The Day 4-4-13

"Forget injuries, never forget kindness."

-Confucius

Grudges.  They happen.  But they are simply no good.  Harboring grudges puts a weight in one's heart that affects one's propensity to give.  And we must give in this world if we expect to receive any sort of positivity.  So perhaps it will be helpful to ignore the injuries, whether physical or emotional, sustained from offenses and to focus more on the kindness one receives as well as the kindness one can provide.

This is indeed the second time Confucius has made a Quote of The Day appearance, a first for this insignificant babble of a blog. Among the salient attributes that were not covered in the previous feature on Confucius are his emphasis on educating oneself in order to apply ethical behavior, corresponding authoritative language strictly with truth, and supplying faulty leadership with proper guidance toward a more virtuous authority.

Quote of The Day 4-2-13

"There is a road from the eye to the heart that does not go through the intellect."

-G.K. Chesterton

Raw emotions.  We all have them.  How they happen, where they come from and why is an abstruse matter.  And no amount of delving or research or blogging will uncover the mystical truths of these natural feelings.  An allowance should be made for the inexplicable spirit that lives in our core.  Tap into it.

G.K. Chesterton (1874-1936) was an English writer.  He wrote on many subjects including philosophy, ontology, poetry, plays, literary and art criticism, and journalism amongst several others.  He also wrote fiction in the form of fantasy and detective novels.  Chesterton was especially renowned for his writing on Christian apologetics.

Quote of The Day 4/1/13

"I was thrown out of college for cheating on the metaphysics exam; I looked into the soul of the boy next to me."

-Woody Allen

Alright.  It is April Fools Day.  Though I cannot say I enjoy this "holiday" I figured I should keep it nice and light for this day of jest.  This little joke from Woody Allen is brilliant.  It highlights the intangible essence that is metaphysics while also acknowledging the potential absurdity of being taught a subject which is so abstract.

Woody Allen (1935-)  is an American comedian, screenwriter, director, actor, author, playwright, and musician.   Allen began his career in the 50's writing jokes for television and publishing several humorous short stories.  In the 60's Allen performed standup comedy and was unique for his emphasis on story telling in his neurotic stage character.  He advanced to directing films in the mid 60's and has subsequently become one of the most respected writers/directors in the film business.