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On Action & Character Vocabulary
Insights about how to live and what to do
8 words
All 8 Words
Be the change you wish to see in the world
Personal transformation precedes social change
“A paraphrase of Gandhi's philosophy of leading by example.”
Fortune favors the bold
Taking risks increases chances of success
“The Latin proverb: audentes fortuna iuvat.”
We are what we repeatedly do
Character is formed by habits, not single acts
“Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.”
The only thing we have to fear is fear itself
Panic and paralysis are often worse than the danger itself
“FDR's inaugural address during the Great Depression.”
Do what you can, with what you have, where you are
Act within your current constraints rather than waiting for ideal conditions
“Pragmatic wisdom: start where you are.”
It is not enough to be busy; so are the ants
Activity must be purposeful, not just frantic
“Thoreau's question: What are you busy about?”
The best time to plant a tree was twenty years ago. The second best time is now
Don't regret past inaction—start now
“Chinese proverb on the urgency of the present moment.”
First they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they fight you, then you win
Persistence through opposition eventually triumphs
“Often attributed to Gandhi, though origin uncertain.”
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