This saying appears to be referring to the use of quotations where you might back up an argument by referring to the wit or wisdom of someone who is regarded as an authority. But it may more precisely be referring to the habit we have of remembering something heard or read and using it to excuse, qualify or back up a statement. "They" being the collective wisdom of everybody and anybody who has expressed an opinion.
When we are trying to persuade someone to a course of action we might say: "Well they say it is a good thing." We perhaps doubt our own wisdom and are relying on the authority of others. However, in our heart of hearts we might not agree with "They" but are willing to deploy their opinions as a means of convincing the other party or of winning an argument.
From a defensive point of view you should ask who exactly are "they" and why, when and where did they say what they said. Your antagonist will probably be left floundering trying to remember just where they came across the opinion, if they really did.
Sunday, April 06, 2008
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Pride comes before a fall
What is pride? A feeling of self-importance? A sense of being a bit better than others? We all feel it at sometimes and it can be a healthy thing if we are separating ourselves from those whose ways really are appalling. But if it is just false pride we are empty fools puffed up with our own self importance.
Pride in a job well done is a rewarding state of mind when we know that something we did is to a high standard and our peers acknowledge it. There doesn't seem to be anything wrong with that, in its proper time and place. So where does the "fall" bit come in?
If you have become complacent and start to enjoy being superior to others you set yourself up for disappointment when someone bigger and better than you comes along, and your prestige takes a tumble. Suddenly you are yesterday's person, and all your greatness shrivels.
The poet, Percy Bysshe Shelley, expressed it very well in his poem:
OZYMANDIAS I met a traveller from an antique land
Who said: Two vast and trunkless legs of stone
Stand in the desert. Near them on the sand,
Half sunk, a shatter'd visage lies, whose frown
And wrinkled lip and sneer of cold command
Tell that its sculptor well those passions read
Which yet survive, stamp'd on these lifeless things,
The hand that mock'd them and the heart that fed.
And on the pedestal these words appear:
"My name is Ozymandias, king of kings:
Look on my works, ye Mighty, and despair!
"Nothing beside remains: round the decay
Of that colossal wreck, boundless and bare,
The lone and level sands stretch far away.
Pride in a job well done is a rewarding state of mind when we know that something we did is to a high standard and our peers acknowledge it. There doesn't seem to be anything wrong with that, in its proper time and place. So where does the "fall" bit come in?
If you have become complacent and start to enjoy being superior to others you set yourself up for disappointment when someone bigger and better than you comes along, and your prestige takes a tumble. Suddenly you are yesterday's person, and all your greatness shrivels.
The poet, Percy Bysshe Shelley, expressed it very well in his poem:
OZYMANDIAS I met a traveller from an antique land
Who said: Two vast and trunkless legs of stone
Stand in the desert. Near them on the sand,
Half sunk, a shatter'd visage lies, whose frown
And wrinkled lip and sneer of cold command
Tell that its sculptor well those passions read
Which yet survive, stamp'd on these lifeless things,
The hand that mock'd them and the heart that fed.
And on the pedestal these words appear:
"My name is Ozymandias, king of kings:
Look on my works, ye Mighty, and despair!
"Nothing beside remains: round the decay
Of that colossal wreck, boundless and bare,
The lone and level sands stretch far away.
Sunday, March 23, 2008
He that buys what he does not want must often sell what he does want
This is a caution against being careless with money. The first "want" being used in the sense of "need" and the second "wish to have". If you squander your money on unnecessary purchases you will likely end up losing that which you would rather keep. Ask any bankrupt.
The world's economy at the present time is reeling as a result of too many people living beyond their means and using credit to subsidise an extravagant lifestyle. You need to learn to cut you coat according to your cloth and live within your means. Neither a borrower nor a lender be is a wise old saying that recognises the foolishness and potential danger of debt.
Whilst being debt free is an excellent goal there can be times when borrowing makes sense. The important thing is to look ahead and consider what might go wrong. What happens if you lose your job, if illness strikes or unexpected demands arise on your income? Life can never be risk free but you must be prepared to face the consequences of your actions.
The world's economy at the present time is reeling as a result of too many people living beyond their means and using credit to subsidise an extravagant lifestyle. You need to learn to cut you coat according to your cloth and live within your means. Neither a borrower nor a lender be is a wise old saying that recognises the foolishness and potential danger of debt.
Whilst being debt free is an excellent goal there can be times when borrowing makes sense. The important thing is to look ahead and consider what might go wrong. What happens if you lose your job, if illness strikes or unexpected demands arise on your income? Life can never be risk free but you must be prepared to face the consequences of your actions.
Sunday, March 16, 2008
When things are at their worst they will mend
This might just be wishful thinking, after all this is based on retrospective judgements. Looking back after a traumatic time you might think that it was at the moment you thought it impossible to go on that salvation occurred. But what if it hadn't? Would you have found further reserves and managed to stumble along for longer? There is no way you can know that.
However, this saying is useful as a way of keeping your spirits up when all seems lost or unbearable. It is always darkest before the dawn is much the same idea. No matter what the difficulties and dangers we must always struggle on and hope that the crisis will come to a head and then right itself.
With the aid of other proverbs such as: Where there's a will there's a way and Never say die you must stay positive and have faith in a happy outcome. As they say: Cheer up, the worst seldom happens.
Defeat anxiety and panic attacks
However, this saying is useful as a way of keeping your spirits up when all seems lost or unbearable. It is always darkest before the dawn is much the same idea. No matter what the difficulties and dangers we must always struggle on and hope that the crisis will come to a head and then right itself.
With the aid of other proverbs such as: Where there's a will there's a way and Never say die you must stay positive and have faith in a happy outcome. As they say: Cheer up, the worst seldom happens.
Defeat anxiety and panic attacks
Sunday, March 09, 2008
While flatterers pipe, devils dance
Even though we know we shouldn't we all prefer the praise of the silver-tongued charmer to the sober realities of constructive criticism. It is so much nicer to have your beliefs that you are really rather special and gifted confirmed than to hear that you really need to apply yourself and raise your game.
Flattery will get you anywhere they say and none of us are immune. The sad truth is that when you are hearing what you want to hear the chances are it is blather and you are being led up the garden path.
Don't let flatterers take advantage of your natural human wish for praise and approval. The devil looks after his own but that doesn't include you -- does it?
Flattery will get you anywhere they say and none of us are immune. The sad truth is that when you are hearing what you want to hear the chances are it is blather and you are being led up the garden path.
Don't let flatterers take advantage of your natural human wish for praise and approval. The devil looks after his own but that doesn't include you -- does it?
Sunday, March 02, 2008
Old Age Seldom Comes Alone
This usually refers to the aches and pains that develop with the advancing years as people realise that the body that carried them since birth is wearing out, and no longer functions as smoothly.
The sheer joy of a young body in peak condition effortlessly surging through the daily tasks and trials of life is but a fond memory. The triumphs of the sporting field when every sinew, muscle and tendon pulled together in perfect harmony to propel this amazing living machine through the air live on in the imagination only, as the grim reality of arthritis and other degenerative diseases take their toll. It sometimes seems like the revenge of some evil entity that envied your youth and vigour and seeks now to punish you for the joys once experienced.
But you also have a soul that burns brighter with age as wisdom increases. Your delight in the new, young, life forces of your children and grandchildren compensates for your own decline. It is as if your vital energies are passing into them so that life may be carried on and on into the marvels of the future.
Man has often looked at the stars and wondered what lies beyond, and with age that wonder increases. The true immensity and complexity of existence has filled your mind for so many years, tantalising with thoughts of the possibility of everlasting life in a heavenly paradise -- something that you can never know for sure.
Are we alone, or does a new existence await where all our departed friends and relatives will gather, smiling and eager for our coming?
The sheer joy of a young body in peak condition effortlessly surging through the daily tasks and trials of life is but a fond memory. The triumphs of the sporting field when every sinew, muscle and tendon pulled together in perfect harmony to propel this amazing living machine through the air live on in the imagination only, as the grim reality of arthritis and other degenerative diseases take their toll. It sometimes seems like the revenge of some evil entity that envied your youth and vigour and seeks now to punish you for the joys once experienced.
But you also have a soul that burns brighter with age as wisdom increases. Your delight in the new, young, life forces of your children and grandchildren compensates for your own decline. It is as if your vital energies are passing into them so that life may be carried on and on into the marvels of the future.
Man has often looked at the stars and wondered what lies beyond, and with age that wonder increases. The true immensity and complexity of existence has filled your mind for so many years, tantalising with thoughts of the possibility of everlasting life in a heavenly paradise -- something that you can never know for sure.
Are we alone, or does a new existence await where all our departed friends and relatives will gather, smiling and eager for our coming?
Sunday, February 24, 2008
All sorrows are less with bread
The Ancient Romans believed that all you needed to keep the masses happy was an ample quantity of bread and circuses. If people were well fed and entertained they would not cause problems. Trouble was they got too complacent and began to neglect the angry hordes outside Rome who did not have bread.
However, there is truth in the observation that a good meal makes all your worries and problems seem less pressing, but is this saying solely about the mundane matter of a regular meal? What about food for the mind and soul?
Human beings are not like animals that simply follow basic hungers: we quest for knowledge and enlightenment. We desire to know the unknowable, to reach out beyond the boundaries, beyond the stars to find the ultimate truths of life, the universe, and everything. And no, the answer is not '42' as the Monty Python humorists would have it.
The answer is still there -- awaiting the hero who will beat all the odds to take his prize and return home in triumph.
However, there is truth in the observation that a good meal makes all your worries and problems seem less pressing, but is this saying solely about the mundane matter of a regular meal? What about food for the mind and soul?
Human beings are not like animals that simply follow basic hungers: we quest for knowledge and enlightenment. We desire to know the unknowable, to reach out beyond the boundaries, beyond the stars to find the ultimate truths of life, the universe, and everything. And no, the answer is not '42' as the Monty Python humorists would have it.
The answer is still there -- awaiting the hero who will beat all the odds to take his prize and return home in triumph.
Sunday, February 17, 2008
What good can it do an ass to be called a lion
We all have dreams of success and achievement, to stand out from the crowd and be the best in our chosen field, but let's face it -- some people are born with inbuilt advantages.
If your ambition is to be Heavyweight Boxing Champion of the World, and you are 5' 1'' and slim, no matter how many self-help books you read, seminars you attend, or webinairs you glue your ears to you will not succeed (unless you are a twelve-year-old boy with a 6' 4'' father, perhaps.) On the other hand, if you dream of being a champion jockey you are in with a chance. With hard work and enterprise it is an achievable goal.
The above illustrates the point simply and obviously, but in many life situations it is more subtle, and you should be brutally honest in assessing your ambitions. Ask yourself: are they really sensible, potentially achievable goals or just daydreams that make you feel good? Are you flogging dead horses or awakening your inner ass -- a stubborn beast that needs encouragement?
You might be able to teach an ass to roar like a lion, and if it tries to join a pride it will be very welcome -- as dead meat. So cut your coat according to your cloth, call a spade a spade and find your natural niche.
The Proverb Practitioner 4
Here is the link to the song challenge 2008 video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jeWETpFDZFw
Your comments, good or bad, welcome.
If your ambition is to be Heavyweight Boxing Champion of the World, and you are 5' 1'' and slim, no matter how many self-help books you read, seminars you attend, or webinairs you glue your ears to you will not succeed (unless you are a twelve-year-old boy with a 6' 4'' father, perhaps.) On the other hand, if you dream of being a champion jockey you are in with a chance. With hard work and enterprise it is an achievable goal.
The above illustrates the point simply and obviously, but in many life situations it is more subtle, and you should be brutally honest in assessing your ambitions. Ask yourself: are they really sensible, potentially achievable goals or just daydreams that make you feel good? Are you flogging dead horses or awakening your inner ass -- a stubborn beast that needs encouragement?
You might be able to teach an ass to roar like a lion, and if it tries to join a pride it will be very welcome -- as dead meat. So cut your coat according to your cloth, call a spade a spade and find your natural niche.
The Proverb Practitioner 4
Here is the link to the song challenge 2008 video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jeWETpFDZFw
Your comments, good or bad, welcome.
Sunday, February 10, 2008
The first sigh of love is the last of wisdom
As this blog is dedicated to understanding the wisdom of proverbs and sayings, perhaps the subject of love should be left well alone, but at this time of year it is rather hard to ignore.
The custom of St. Valentine's Day is supposed to date to the time when it was believed that birds chose their mates for the breeding season, (the changes to the calendar have altered the season a bit) People coming alive again after the dark, cold, miserable days of winter could once again look to the joy and pleasure of being alive and finding true love.
Before the day and age of cinema, television and the like people found winters more dreary than we do today, and they therefore delighted in, and were more influenced by, the arrival of increased sunshine, wild flowers and bird song.
Perfectly sane, sensible people, cautious and wise in their ways, will often exhibit a form of behavior akin to madness when they fall in love. In the past it was often likened to falling under a spell, and, indeed, some ladies were accused of using witchcraft as a means of ensnaring their lovers. Well, it was a good excuse for the men to justify their behavior!
If you were asked to choose the ideal moment in a human's life would you agree that on a blissfully sunny, spring morning with the birds singing, and the scent of new flowers all around, being a teenager, head over heels in love, would get top marks; or would you prefer brilliantly solving a very difficult quadratic equation and getting a pat on the head from teacher? It shouldn't take long to answer.
The Proverb Practitioner 3
The promised video is still delayed but I sent the dog round hunting bones again and, at the risk of chasing two hares, I have another one ready. It is a tragic love tale involving that most romantic of birds -- the gracefully beautiful swan. If at first you don't succeed, try, try and try again has been much used today and after upload the video has been distorted, so I will not post the link until I have had another go. Patience is a virtue and I will need a lot more before this is right.
The custom of St. Valentine's Day is supposed to date to the time when it was believed that birds chose their mates for the breeding season, (the changes to the calendar have altered the season a bit) People coming alive again after the dark, cold, miserable days of winter could once again look to the joy and pleasure of being alive and finding true love.
Before the day and age of cinema, television and the like people found winters more dreary than we do today, and they therefore delighted in, and were more influenced by, the arrival of increased sunshine, wild flowers and bird song.
Perfectly sane, sensible people, cautious and wise in their ways, will often exhibit a form of behavior akin to madness when they fall in love. In the past it was often likened to falling under a spell, and, indeed, some ladies were accused of using witchcraft as a means of ensnaring their lovers. Well, it was a good excuse for the men to justify their behavior!
If you were asked to choose the ideal moment in a human's life would you agree that on a blissfully sunny, spring morning with the birds singing, and the scent of new flowers all around, being a teenager, head over heels in love, would get top marks; or would you prefer brilliantly solving a very difficult quadratic equation and getting a pat on the head from teacher? It shouldn't take long to answer.
The Proverb Practitioner 3
The promised video is still delayed but I sent the dog round hunting bones again and, at the risk of chasing two hares, I have another one ready. It is a tragic love tale involving that most romantic of birds -- the gracefully beautiful swan. If at first you don't succeed, try, try and try again has been much used today and after upload the video has been distorted, so I will not post the link until I have had another go. Patience is a virtue and I will need a lot more before this is right.
Sunday, February 03, 2008
Habits are at first cobwebs, at last cables
What is a habit? A pattern of behavior that is frequently repeated. Our characters are composed of a collection of habits that can be good or bad, so we seek to establish good ones and remove the bad.
Good habits include punctuality, honesty, reliability and financial prudence. We are encouraged to develop these from infancy, but it is human to fall into error, and it is necessary to be constantly vigilant in maintaining standards. Our friends, relatives and enemies are often very helpful here in pointing out our shortcomings! Good habits are developed from discipline and practice.
This saying reminds us that habits start off frail and grow stronger with the passing of time ensnaring us before we realize it. Good habits we tend to take for granted, and it is the bad ones that worry us. Most advice on habits tends to be about how to be free of the harmful kind.
Today we would probably think of habits as neural networks in the brain that strengthen with repeated us, and to break them we must overlay them with positive behavior -- substituting good for bad. Smoking is regarded as a major bad habit and one method of control is to substitute another sucking habit such as a sweet; but this can lead to the obesity that comes from bad eating habits.
The best method of overcoming unwanted habits is the exercise of self-control so that the habit gets its energy cut off and withers naturally. Then the cables that bind us in misery can be snapped.
A collection of articles on habits can be accessed here: http://www.clarkscript.com/articles/directories/bad-habits.html
The Proverb Practitioner
We hate delay yet it makes us wise. Those of you following the progress of the song 2008 challenge might like to know that the web page for this is now available and the promotional video (always remembering, There's many's a slip twixt cup and lip) will be launched next week. http://www.clarkscript.com/music/artists-repertoire.html
Good habits include punctuality, honesty, reliability and financial prudence. We are encouraged to develop these from infancy, but it is human to fall into error, and it is necessary to be constantly vigilant in maintaining standards. Our friends, relatives and enemies are often very helpful here in pointing out our shortcomings! Good habits are developed from discipline and practice.
This saying reminds us that habits start off frail and grow stronger with the passing of time ensnaring us before we realize it. Good habits we tend to take for granted, and it is the bad ones that worry us. Most advice on habits tends to be about how to be free of the harmful kind.
Today we would probably think of habits as neural networks in the brain that strengthen with repeated us, and to break them we must overlay them with positive behavior -- substituting good for bad. Smoking is regarded as a major bad habit and one method of control is to substitute another sucking habit such as a sweet; but this can lead to the obesity that comes from bad eating habits.
The best method of overcoming unwanted habits is the exercise of self-control so that the habit gets its energy cut off and withers naturally. Then the cables that bind us in misery can be snapped.
A collection of articles on habits can be accessed here: http://www.clarkscript.com/articles/directories/bad-habits.html
The Proverb Practitioner
We hate delay yet it makes us wise. Those of you following the progress of the song 2008 challenge might like to know that the web page for this is now available and the promotional video (always remembering, There's many's a slip twixt cup and lip) will be launched next week. http://www.clarkscript.com/music/artists-repertoire.html
Sunday, January 27, 2008
The Best Laid Schemes o' Mice and Men Gang Aft Agley
This week saw the celebration of the Scottish poet Robert Burns' birthday and this famous quote from his poem proved apt. The farmer poet on turning a mouse's nest over in the field fell to contemplating the similarity between a humble mouse's strivings and preparations with those of man, and saw that they had much in common as they are often knocked off course by the unexpected. Many proverbs have their origins in the days when most people gained a living from the plough. The observations they made and the wisdom distilled from them still guide their descendants -- us -- today.
The 2008 project to take a song to success was to be launched this week but has been delayed. Always at it wins the day is good for keeping you going but it is prudent to remember: Make haste slowly.
The need to register the copyrights at The US Library of Congress meant the manuscripts had to be notated. This took longer than expected, with the haste and attention to detail resulting in a migraine. This raises the very important topic that when using proverbs as a guide they must be used with judgement. It is not wise to follow blindly: A danger foreseen is half avoided.
However, Rome wasn't built in a day and it is best to do things right as: Well begun is half done. Next week should see some action. No doubt I will be tempted to start another project once this is launched but it is important to remember that: He who runs after two hares catches neither.
Robert Burns - To a Mouse
...But Mousie, thou art no thy lane,
In proving foresight may be vain;
The best-laid schemes o' mice an' men
Gang aft agley,
An' lea'e us nought but grief an' pain,
For promis'd joy !
Still thou art blest, compar'd wi' me!
The present only toucheth thee:
But och! I backward cast my e'e,
On prospects drear!
An' forward, tho' I canna see,
I guess an' fear!
The 2008 project to take a song to success was to be launched this week but has been delayed. Always at it wins the day is good for keeping you going but it is prudent to remember: Make haste slowly.
The need to register the copyrights at The US Library of Congress meant the manuscripts had to be notated. This took longer than expected, with the haste and attention to detail resulting in a migraine. This raises the very important topic that when using proverbs as a guide they must be used with judgement. It is not wise to follow blindly: A danger foreseen is half avoided.
However, Rome wasn't built in a day and it is best to do things right as: Well begun is half done. Next week should see some action. No doubt I will be tempted to start another project once this is launched but it is important to remember that: He who runs after two hares catches neither.
Robert Burns - To a Mouse
...But Mousie, thou art no thy lane,
In proving foresight may be vain;
The best-laid schemes o' mice an' men
Gang aft agley,
An' lea'e us nought but grief an' pain,
For promis'd joy !
Still thou art blest, compar'd wi' me!
The present only toucheth thee:
But och! I backward cast my e'e,
On prospects drear!
An' forward, tho' I canna see,
I guess an' fear!
Sunday, January 20, 2008
The Proverb Practitioner 2
Last week the challenge to use the wisdom of proverbs to guide a project settled on taking a song to success using a video on YouTube to bring it to public attention.
So what is the next step? How can proverbs help? Having put my foot down where I mean to stand and remembering that Zeal is like fire, it needs feeding and watching it seems wise to proceed without delay. Strike whilst the iron is hot but Look before you leap.
A little forethought saves much afterthought. The idea has expanded to include a collection of demos in a software wrapper where users can choose songs they like or dislike and be their own Artists and Repertoire people. The job of an A&R rep is to listen to all the demos wannabes send in but, rather than send out CD's to many companies, this way lets the public be their own A & R guy.
Don't look a gift horse in the mouth. With a free copy (unfortunately the offer expired on Jan 7th) of Camtasia I put together a video of the first song: "More Generous with Love" and an explanation of how the software works.
The video invites viewers to visit a web page where they can download the software: Artists & Repertoire. It contains seven songs in different styles with male and female artists. Service without reward is punishment so a small charge has been made to ensure only seriously interested people will listen and, hopefully, provide a cash flow to fund other projects. Pleasing ware is half sold, so lets hope it meets with approval.
The video isn't brilliant but You must crawl before you can walk . This might seem like A bad workman blames his tools, however, Better a flawed diamond than a perfect pebble and anyway, Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and Better an ass that carries than a horse that throws.
All going well, the video will be released next week.
UPDATE
I'm evaluating a multi-media course on blogging from the folks at Simpleology. For a while, they're letting you snag it for free if you post about it on your blog.
OPINION
I have looked this gift horse in the mouth and its seems a good opportunity to learn more about blogging for those of you who would like to start your own. It is a fifteen day course of short videos and if you are a beginner with limited time it could be very useful as it is simple and clearly presented. Being a glutton for info, and already knowing a good bit of it, I went through it in an hour or so and picked up a few good tips. Well worth a look.
So what is the next step? How can proverbs help? Having put my foot down where I mean to stand and remembering that Zeal is like fire, it needs feeding and watching it seems wise to proceed without delay. Strike whilst the iron is hot but Look before you leap.
A little forethought saves much afterthought. The idea has expanded to include a collection of demos in a software wrapper where users can choose songs they like or dislike and be their own Artists and Repertoire people. The job of an A&R rep is to listen to all the demos wannabes send in but, rather than send out CD's to many companies, this way lets the public be their own A & R guy.
Don't look a gift horse in the mouth. With a free copy (unfortunately the offer expired on Jan 7th) of Camtasia I put together a video of the first song: "More Generous with Love" and an explanation of how the software works.
The video invites viewers to visit a web page where they can download the software: Artists & Repertoire. It contains seven songs in different styles with male and female artists. Service without reward is punishment so a small charge has been made to ensure only seriously interested people will listen and, hopefully, provide a cash flow to fund other projects. Pleasing ware is half sold, so lets hope it meets with approval.
The video isn't brilliant but You must crawl before you can walk . This might seem like A bad workman blames his tools, however, Better a flawed diamond than a perfect pebble and anyway, Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and Better an ass that carries than a horse that throws.
All going well, the video will be released next week.
UPDATE
I'm evaluating a multi-media course on blogging from the folks at Simpleology. For a while, they're letting you snag it for free if you post about it on your blog.
It covers:
- The best blogging techniques.
- How to get traffic to your blog.
- How to turn your blog into money.
I'll let you know what I think once I've had a chance to check it out. Meanwhile, go grab yours while it's still free.
I have looked this gift horse in the mouth and its seems a good opportunity to learn more about blogging for those of you who would like to start your own. It is a fifteen day course of short videos and if you are a beginner with limited time it could be very useful as it is simple and clearly presented. Being a glutton for info, and already knowing a good bit of it, I went through it in an hour or so and picked up a few good tips. Well worth a look.
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Always at it Wins the Day
The road to success is usually long and winding but you will not get to the end without keeping going. Regular steady progress is often better than occasional bursts of effort when the mood takes you.
I'm evaluating a multi-media course on blogging from the folks at Simpleology. For a while, they're letting you snag it for free if you post about it on your blog.
It covers:
- The best blogging techniques.
- How to get traffic to your blog.
- How to turn your blog into money.
I'll let you know what I think once I've had a chance to check it out. Meanwhile, go grab yours while it's still free.
Sunday, January 13, 2008
THE PROVERB PRACTITIONER
Last week in the blog entry Small beginnings make great endings we discussed the idea of using proverbial wisdom to guide a project. Today it is time to consider: what, why, when, where and how?
The longest journey begins with the first step, but if you wanted to climb Mount Everest you wouldn't just take a deep breath and charge up. It takes long and careful planning, training, acclimatisation, setting up of base camps and proceeding in careful stages.
Where there's a will there's a way, but above all is the determination to get to the top and the confidence in your ability to do so. From little acorns great oaks grow helps to visualise the end result as it is important to have a clear goal. Millions of people over many centuries have used these sayings as a spur to achievement, and so can you.
What should the project be -- how to chose? The dog that runs around finds a bone. So, with growing confidence and determination the "Proverb Practitioner" must scout (or sniff) out the possible options.
The vast cavern of the Internet caters for just about any and every human interest -- lots of "bones" here. Many people are looking to make money, find friends, achieve personal goals, learn an instrument, language or skill. There is unlimited choice.
However, Don't flog a dead horse. It must be something that will enthuse, excite and prove beneficial. The road to Hell is paved with good intentions. If it doesn't arouse some passion the result might be boredom and a temptation to give up. Stick with what you know sounds like good advice. Why reinvent the wheel?
Have fun searching out your own project, but this "Proverb Practitioner" is an enthusiastic poet and songwriter and sniffing around his own "bone yard" has found a collection of song demos made and forgotten.
One of the problems of being creative is the tendency to want to move on to the next new thing, to procrastinate over doing something with what you already have. Don't put off till tomorrow what you can do today. Perhaps it is time to take action. The usual route is to send a song demo CD to the Artist and Repertoire people of record companies and hope they like you. But they are very busy and you are lucky to get a good hearing. Trial and error constitutes a wasteful method -- try thinking first.
BRIGHT IDEA: We are now in the age of mass participation so why not let the people decide?
But don't be dumb, you can't send the whole world a CD! So, what can be done?
Think! Fortune favors the bold. (Several hours later) How about a video on YouTube with a song embedded -- nothing fancy that requires techie know-how (this is on a shoestring budget) just enough to give people an idea if they think it is cool. After all: Nothing ventured nothing gained.
That then is the 2008 challenge, no more faffing about: take a song from zero to hero by years end. Mistakes, errors, blunders, frustration, procrastination, temptation and gremlins of all sorts will try to get in the way but with a cry of: If at first you don't succeed, try, try and try again and Who Dares Wins it is onwards and upwards.
Have fun.
See you soon.
William
Definition: Proverb Practitioner, someone who guides their activities with the wisdom of proverbs.
The longest journey begins with the first step, but if you wanted to climb Mount Everest you wouldn't just take a deep breath and charge up. It takes long and careful planning, training, acclimatisation, setting up of base camps and proceeding in careful stages.
Where there's a will there's a way, but above all is the determination to get to the top and the confidence in your ability to do so. From little acorns great oaks grow helps to visualise the end result as it is important to have a clear goal. Millions of people over many centuries have used these sayings as a spur to achievement, and so can you.
What should the project be -- how to chose? The dog that runs around finds a bone. So, with growing confidence and determination the "Proverb Practitioner" must scout (or sniff) out the possible options.
The vast cavern of the Internet caters for just about any and every human interest -- lots of "bones" here. Many people are looking to make money, find friends, achieve personal goals, learn an instrument, language or skill. There is unlimited choice.
However, Don't flog a dead horse. It must be something that will enthuse, excite and prove beneficial. The road to Hell is paved with good intentions. If it doesn't arouse some passion the result might be boredom and a temptation to give up. Stick with what you know sounds like good advice. Why reinvent the wheel?
Have fun searching out your own project, but this "Proverb Practitioner" is an enthusiastic poet and songwriter and sniffing around his own "bone yard" has found a collection of song demos made and forgotten.
One of the problems of being creative is the tendency to want to move on to the next new thing, to procrastinate over doing something with what you already have. Don't put off till tomorrow what you can do today. Perhaps it is time to take action. The usual route is to send a song demo CD to the Artist and Repertoire people of record companies and hope they like you. But they are very busy and you are lucky to get a good hearing. Trial and error constitutes a wasteful method -- try thinking first.
BRIGHT IDEA: We are now in the age of mass participation so why not let the people decide?
But don't be dumb, you can't send the whole world a CD! So, what can be done?
Think! Fortune favors the bold. (Several hours later) How about a video on YouTube with a song embedded -- nothing fancy that requires techie know-how (this is on a shoestring budget) just enough to give people an idea if they think it is cool. After all: Nothing ventured nothing gained.
That then is the 2008 challenge, no more faffing about: take a song from zero to hero by years end. Mistakes, errors, blunders, frustration, procrastination, temptation and gremlins of all sorts will try to get in the way but with a cry of: If at first you don't succeed, try, try and try again and Who Dares Wins it is onwards and upwards.
Have fun.
See you soon.
William
Definition: Proverb Practitioner, someone who guides their activities with the wisdom of proverbs.
Sunday, January 06, 2008
Small beginnings make great endings
So, did you keep last year's resolutions? Can you even remember what they were? Perhaps they were too ambitious, too unrealistic -- more wishful thinking than practical reality. Perhaps you should have set a small, realisable goal and on accomplishing that moved on to bigger and better things.
A rolling stone might gather no moss but a rolling snowball grows bigger and bigger. You have to pay attention to specific detail -- the same effort in different circumstances will produce very different results.
We have all heard, with some incredulity, the oft quoted statement of weather forecasters that the fluttering of a butterfly's wings in one part of the hemisphere will produce a hurricane in another. Well... maybe, but we get the message -- something small can be the starting point that creates movement, and through growing momentum, leads to something great.
I hope you have better results from your New Years Resolutions this coming year and I would like to invite you to follow an experiment I will be conducting.
You have heard me talk the talk and now I want to walk the walk. I intend to pursue several projects on the Internet in 2008 to prove the practical value of ancient wisdom. All decisions will be taken with proverbial guidance and I will report each step in the blog for you to follow.
I would like to wish you all a very happy and prosperous New Year.
William Clark
A rolling stone might gather no moss but a rolling snowball grows bigger and bigger. You have to pay attention to specific detail -- the same effort in different circumstances will produce very different results.
We have all heard, with some incredulity, the oft quoted statement of weather forecasters that the fluttering of a butterfly's wings in one part of the hemisphere will produce a hurricane in another. Well... maybe, but we get the message -- something small can be the starting point that creates movement, and through growing momentum, leads to something great.
I hope you have better results from your New Years Resolutions this coming year and I would like to invite you to follow an experiment I will be conducting.
You have heard me talk the talk and now I want to walk the walk. I intend to pursue several projects on the Internet in 2008 to prove the practical value of ancient wisdom. All decisions will be taken with proverbial guidance and I will report each step in the blog for you to follow.
I would like to wish you all a very happy and prosperous New Year.
William Clark
Sunday, December 30, 2007
Solid pudding is better than empty praise
Words are cheap -- you can easily tell people how wonderful they are and how much you appreciate them, but showing that worth in a meaningful way might be more appropriate. Say it with flowers might have been an advertising slogan originally but it does have a point. A person who is given a bunch of beautiful, sweet-scented flowers has visual evidence that they are appreciated -- something that all the senses can be aware of.
Tradesmen are no doubt not immune to flattery but a cup of coffee or tea shows tangible gratitude. A retiring worker will appreciate the recounting of his many achievements and worthy contributions to the business' success but a good pension and a retirement present helps to make the words more meaningful.
Presenting the lady in your life with a solid pudding might not have quite the result you intended today, but in years gone by when people were much nearer daily starvation than is the modern reality it would have meant a great deal.
Tradesmen are no doubt not immune to flattery but a cup of coffee or tea shows tangible gratitude. A retiring worker will appreciate the recounting of his many achievements and worthy contributions to the business' success but a good pension and a retirement present helps to make the words more meaningful.
Presenting the lady in your life with a solid pudding might not have quite the result you intended today, but in years gone by when people were much nearer daily starvation than is the modern reality it would have meant a great deal.
Sunday, December 23, 2007
How Proverbs Help
Proverbs have practical applications -- they can help you cope with everyday problems.
Let us assume you have been given a task to do, for example: stage a school play. You consider all the snags and problems: need for venue, props; unruly children, unhelpful parents, over helpful parents; the list is endless, you want to give up.
But wait, the proverb: Where there's a will there's a way pops into mind. Countless others have faced similar and worse difficulties and they have come to see that Faith can move mountains so it must be possible. Heartened, you move on and start.
You want it to be good... There could be a promotion if you impress the Head. So can proverbs help again? Of course: Well begun is half done. Here is some wisdom: start off with the right attitude, get the basics right and all will follow.
You are tired and want to wait, but: Don't put off till tomorrow what you can do today. So, crying: Make hay while the sun shines and Time and tide wait for no man, you leap into action.
After a time you see some achievement but, really, there is a mountain of work to be done, perhaps it's too much. No, remember: Rome wasn't built in a day, just keep going, Lost time is never found again. Keep calm, Slow and steady wins the race.
You progress, but inevitably there are some mistakes: Trial and error waste time, try thinking first, and keep in mind: From little acorns great oaks grow, and for goodness sake Look before you leap. You keep repeating the affirmation: I can and I will.
The kids are coming along fine, enthusiastic parents are making the props, the air is thick with: If at first you don't succeed try, try and try again.
Everything is looking great, but: If something seems too good to be true... The confident young guy who assured you he was a whizz on guitar turns out to know only two chords and that's his limit. Panic! Send him for lessons? No, No good flogging a dead horse, seek a replacement. Every cloud has a silver lining. It turns out the shy boy in the corner has been Hiding his light under a bushel and is a guitar maestro. He's very nervous, you tell him to keep repeating: It will be all right on the night.
Your leading lady has just fallen out with the hero. You cajole her to Let bygones be bygones. You tell him: Faint heart never won fair lady.
The Head drops by and sees all the panic, he smiles benignly and says: To err is human, to forgive divine. You quietly mutter: The devil looks after his own.
A stir heralds the arrival of a new lad. He modestly admits to being the son of an actor and very experienced on stage. You nearly hug him and cry: Cometh the hour cometh the man. He looks embarrassed, the girls all giggle.
The show is a great success but you remember Pride comes before a fall and act modestly and graciously thanking all for their assistance without which your contribution would be nothing. The Head is beaming at you: All is well that ends well.
Seasons greetings to all my readers.
William Clark
Let us assume you have been given a task to do, for example: stage a school play. You consider all the snags and problems: need for venue, props; unruly children, unhelpful parents, over helpful parents; the list is endless, you want to give up.
But wait, the proverb: Where there's a will there's a way pops into mind. Countless others have faced similar and worse difficulties and they have come to see that Faith can move mountains so it must be possible. Heartened, you move on and start.
You want it to be good... There could be a promotion if you impress the Head. So can proverbs help again? Of course: Well begun is half done. Here is some wisdom: start off with the right attitude, get the basics right and all will follow.
You are tired and want to wait, but: Don't put off till tomorrow what you can do today. So, crying: Make hay while the sun shines and Time and tide wait for no man, you leap into action.
After a time you see some achievement but, really, there is a mountain of work to be done, perhaps it's too much. No, remember: Rome wasn't built in a day, just keep going, Lost time is never found again. Keep calm, Slow and steady wins the race.
You progress, but inevitably there are some mistakes: Trial and error waste time, try thinking first, and keep in mind: From little acorns great oaks grow, and for goodness sake Look before you leap. You keep repeating the affirmation: I can and I will.
The kids are coming along fine, enthusiastic parents are making the props, the air is thick with: If at first you don't succeed try, try and try again.
Everything is looking great, but: If something seems too good to be true... The confident young guy who assured you he was a whizz on guitar turns out to know only two chords and that's his limit. Panic! Send him for lessons? No, No good flogging a dead horse, seek a replacement. Every cloud has a silver lining. It turns out the shy boy in the corner has been Hiding his light under a bushel and is a guitar maestro. He's very nervous, you tell him to keep repeating: It will be all right on the night.
Your leading lady has just fallen out with the hero. You cajole her to Let bygones be bygones. You tell him: Faint heart never won fair lady.
The Head drops by and sees all the panic, he smiles benignly and says: To err is human, to forgive divine. You quietly mutter: The devil looks after his own.
A stir heralds the arrival of a new lad. He modestly admits to being the son of an actor and very experienced on stage. You nearly hug him and cry: Cometh the hour cometh the man. He looks embarrassed, the girls all giggle.
The show is a great success but you remember Pride comes before a fall and act modestly and graciously thanking all for their assistance without which your contribution would be nothing. The Head is beaming at you: All is well that ends well.
Seasons greetings to all my readers.
William Clark
Sunday, December 16, 2007
Some Evils are Cured by Contempt
Have you ever tried to stop someone doing something that is wrong and realised they just become more obdurate and entrenched in their wrongdoing? Like a limpet that simply grips tighter the more you try to shift it.
By taking a contemptuous attitude and ignoring a problem person you might get the message across that what they are doing is not winning friends and influencing people. When they come to this understanding by themselves it will have greater impact.
Set an example of what is right and if you are looking good, confident and successful others will observe this and wish to emulate it. They will enjoy the idea that they too can then look with contempt at those still mired in evil ways.
By taking a contemptuous attitude and ignoring a problem person you might get the message across that what they are doing is not winning friends and influencing people. When they come to this understanding by themselves it will have greater impact.
Set an example of what is right and if you are looking good, confident and successful others will observe this and wish to emulate it. They will enjoy the idea that they too can then look with contempt at those still mired in evil ways.
Sunday, December 09, 2007
Soft Words Win Hard Hearts
This is a truth long known by ladies who in days of warfare and conflict had to ease the mood of men inured to suffering and battle.
But diplomats who wish to bring about peace and reconciliation also have need of such skills. The natural instinct of a battle hardened warrior might be to threaten and bluster but this often just gets the backs of opponents up and guarantees constant conflict.
"Speak softly and carry a big stick", is oft quoted advice for those involved in negotiations. In other words don't try to rub your power advantage into your opposite numbers face but a gentle hint of potential accompanied with conciliatory words can lead to meaningful negotiations.
But diplomats who wish to bring about peace and reconciliation also have need of such skills. The natural instinct of a battle hardened warrior might be to threaten and bluster but this often just gets the backs of opponents up and guarantees constant conflict.
"Speak softly and carry a big stick", is oft quoted advice for those involved in negotiations. In other words don't try to rub your power advantage into your opposite numbers face but a gentle hint of potential accompanied with conciliatory words can lead to meaningful negotiations.
Sunday, December 02, 2007
It costs more to revenge injuries than to bear them
It costs more to revenge injuries than to bear them.
A restaurant mixes up your booking and refuses to return your deposit. You get angry, see a solicitor, he threatens to sue, they pay up then he sends you a bill for more than the original amount. Neighbours in boundary disputes often find themselves in costly litigation for little or no gain. Not worth the candle.
This saying is telling us to at least consider putting up with a slight or small damage or "grin and bear it" if the cost of dealing with it outweighs the gain. However, there is a problem with this attitude because your aggressor, if they decides that your lack of retaliation is a sign of weakens, will simply torment you further. This is the classic behaviour of the bully.
So it all boils down to a judgement call - you can save yourself a lot of bother by putting up with an injury, but if you decide the perpetrator needs a lesson be very careful how you go about it.
A restaurant mixes up your booking and refuses to return your deposit. You get angry, see a solicitor, he threatens to sue, they pay up then he sends you a bill for more than the original amount. Neighbours in boundary disputes often find themselves in costly litigation for little or no gain. Not worth the candle.
This saying is telling us to at least consider putting up with a slight or small damage or "grin and bear it" if the cost of dealing with it outweighs the gain. However, there is a problem with this attitude because your aggressor, if they decides that your lack of retaliation is a sign of weakens, will simply torment you further. This is the classic behaviour of the bully.
So it all boils down to a judgement call - you can save yourself a lot of bother by putting up with an injury, but if you decide the perpetrator needs a lesson be very careful how you go about it.
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