Quotations to live by

Over our life time we will come into contact with quotes – – statements and utterances that have become part of our society.   These are the things that we live life by – – the things that make us better – – the things that relieve our anxieties and let us know that we are part of the greater world.

I’ve been collecting some of them for a period of time and I think it’s time I share them with you.

I’m into politics so here’s a quote from George Washington about political parties.   Washington said – – “Beware the common and continual mischief of political parties.   They agitate the community with ill-founded jealousies and false alarms, that kindles animosity and occasionally foments riot and insurrection.”   I think that still bears some contemplation today.

My theory of life can be summed up with this quotation from writer Harold Kushner. – – “Ask too little of life and you run the risk of never tasting everything  this world has to offer.   Ask too much – and you set yourself up for disappointment and failure.”

Erma Bombeck the great humorous writer said – – “If you want happiness for an hour – take a nap.  If you want happiness for a day – go fishing.  If you want happiness for a year – inherit a fortune.   But if you want happiness for a lifetime – help someone.”

Speaking of fishing, you’ve heard the story – – “Give a man a fish and he eats for a day.  Teach a man to fish and he eats for a lifetime.”  But, in the South they have a twist on that line of thinking.   “Teach a man to fish and he’ll be out on the lake fishing all day – and you’ll never see him.”

Marilyn Monroe – – that’s right – – the great philosopher Marilyn Monroe said – – “If you have to wear shoes – then you’re not really on vacation – you’re just somewhere else.”

Many people have tried to predict the future – but they didn’t listen to this adage – –  “The future is not the past and hindsight is not foresight.”

And, an old idea that I live by- –  “If you can’t be right, at least say it with enough conviction that people aren’t really sure one way or the other – – but are willing to give you the benefit of the doubt.”

Those are some of my favorite quotes.   I suspect you have some of your own.