You may remember I gave you my top five quotes. That was then, this is now. My top quotes change based on the moment, and I reserve the right to change my mind at any given time for any reason. No rules. Here are my current ones, each with a short breakdown.
Fill the unforgiving minute with sixty seconds worth of distance run.
-Rudyard Kipling
The next time you’re having a rough moment, get off your ass and sprint. I dare you not to find your condition improved. Oh, and Rudyard won’t tell you this, but reading his work in a time of struggle is scientifically proven to be a mood elevator.
Errors using inadequate data are much less than those using no data at all.
-Charles Babbage
Who the hell is Charles Babbage? That is the correct response. This is a lifestyle website. Babbage is sometimes referred to as “father of computing.” His “Difference Engine No.1” was the first successful automatic calculator and is among the finest examples of precision engineering of the 1800s.
These words remind us to do our proper research. We should thoroughly evaluate all the information at our hands, not simply that which confirms our biases. We should use track record to make predictions about what might happen going forward. Essentially, mistakes are acceptable; lazy mistakes are less so.
“t is better to lead from behind and to put others in front, especially when you celebrate victory when nice things occur. You take the front line when there is danger. Then people will appreciate your leadership.
-Nelson Mandela
This is a relatively simple concept. Mandela, if asked, would take this a step further. When there is indeed danger and the crew comes out safe on the other side, the truly inspiring leader will spotlight the ways his people displayed courage. Soldiers desire appreciation…scratch that, humans desire appreciation. Leaders are acutely aware of this.
I bought a company in the mid-’90s called Dexter Shoe and paid $400 million for it. And it went to zero. And I gave about $400 million worth of Berkshire stock, which is probably now worth $400 billion. But I’ve made lots of dumb decisions. That’s part of the game.
-Warren Buffett
Wait, Buffett made ill-advised decisions and failed in his vetting process over and over and is still the greatest investor ever? Abe Lincoln lost numerous elections and had a nervous breakdown before becoming our president and issuing the Emancipation Proclamation? Swing. Miss. Practice, learn and swing again.
Be brave. Take risks. Nothing can substitute experience.
-Paulo Coelho
My grandfather is 100 years old. He says, “Why would I ever leave Southern California? It doesn’t get better than this.” I dig SoCal, but the exhilaration of new life experiences cannot be attained without venturing out. An elevated risk factor brings new and rich flavors and sensations.
If you’re looking for a novel that will encourage you to venture out of your comfort zone, check out Coelho’s The Alchemist.
As always, I encourage you to post in the comments section what invigorates you, causes you to become introspective or makes you laugh. Bring it.
Kap
Jerry says
As a man at 50, focusing on health, happiness and a new career path, I appreciate your morsels of inspiration – both for the brain and the body. I took a big risk professionally recently and it failed. You know what I learned? I was no longer afraid of failure. I faced my biggest fear and it wasn’t bad, it was in fact, the best thing I ever did.
Although I am not an KL – OG (found Kap Lifestyle in April), I am happy to have found kindred spirits in you and the KL community in approach to life, health, food, and intellect.
I look forward to your daily post – keep up the great work!
Jerry – Brooklyn, NY
Gabe Kapler says
Love that you called your career leap a failure, then shed light on the truth. Good for you, Jerry.
Kap
Rick Franzosa (@RealTimeRick) says
Kap,
The Babbage quote is now part of my email sig.. and, yes, I knew who he was 😉
Rick
Gabe Kapler says
That makes one of you, Rick. Have a great weekend.
Richie Ernst says
Do not pray for an easy life, pray for the strength to endure a difficult one – Brice Lee
The ass you kick today, maybe the ass you have to kiss tomorrow – Unlnown
The mind controls the body, do not allow the body to control the mind.
Gabe Kapler says
Appreciate the participation, Richie.
billstraehl says
Argue for your limitations and they are yours. (‘Illusions’)
“Life is no bowl of cherries” (Tarzan, from ‘The Far Side’)
Gabe Kapler says
Thanks, Bill.
Dutch says
Kap, good stuff as always– love hearing the quotes. A buddy of mine who just got some terrible health news this week shared this quote that really struck home for me: “Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass. Its about learning to dance in the rain.” -Author Unknown.
Such a great reminder that how we respond to the hardships that life throws our way is really what defines us as a person.
Would also be great to hear any more suggested readings you have.
Keep up the good work.
Gabe Kapler says
Check out Ayn Rand’s “Anthem”, brother.
Randy says
This one from Bertrand Russell is a favorite of mine: The trouble with the world is that the stupid are cocksure and the intelligent are full of doubt.
Reminds me to always question my preconceptions. Also helps me relax when someone else refuses to even entertain the idea that they may not be correct about something.
Randy says
I suppose I should also mention that I’ve also used the Bertrand Russell quote to embarrass someone who was being obnoxious about how they were clearly right and anyone who disagreed with them is an idiot. I’m not proud of this last one!
Gabe Kapler says
Ha. Feel you.
Janinne says
This may sound simple, but I have to remind myself of this all the time. “Trust the process.” ~Bob Harper
Gabe Kapler says
Simple, solid. Thanks, Janinne.
Ed H says
“Never argue with an idiot. They will only bring you down to their level and beat you with experience.”
― George Carlin
Ed H says
Sorry, this is more cautionary than inspirational….
Gabe Kapler says
Funny either way.
Kevin McNeil. says
Make your combat stance your everyday stance – Miyamoto Musashi
Great for those working on squat and posture.
Just finished rereading The Alchemist and The Little Prince.
If only I could dream and not make dreams my master
Gabe Kapler says
Word.
Michelle says
“Nothing tastes as good as being lean feels…except pizza with extra cheese”
— Michelle
Gabe Kapler says
Can’t argue.
~Al~ says
Never underestimate what someone will do to make a dollar off of you.
~Al~
Gabe Kapler says
Interesting…
kbeyazdancer says
Love these quotes KAP!
-Kelebek
Gabe Kapler says
Dig.
slappythefishman says
This one always blows me away
“In spite of everything, I still believe that people are really good at heart.”
Anne Frank
Gabe Kapler says
Right? Special soul, AF.
M.squared says
I started the alchemist, but have not finished it.
Very good 3/4 the way through though.
My quote to add:
“Be yourself; everyone else is already taken”
-Oscar Wilde
Gabe Kapler says
Why not, right?
Duane says
Very inspirational post. They are all outstanding quotes we just need to believe in them. At the speed that our lives move today sometimes we loose site of what inspires us.
We need to focus today or loose site of tomorrow.
Have a good one KLS family.
Gabe Kapler says
My man.
AJM (@AvengingJM) says
“The world is a fine place and worth the fighting for …”
~ Ernest Hemingway (For Whom the Bell Tolls)
Those words drive, man.
Steve says
The quality of your thoughts determine the quality of your life. -Jim Rohn
#ThoughtsBecomeThings
#Massup
Kyle G. says
“If” by Rudyard Kipling… Great poem, not much of a poetry man myself but definitely a solid poem…