Quotes/aphorisms that have actually helped you in life

[cbloom]

Some horrible misquotes :

"Don't bother memorizing something that can be easily looked up" - Einstein

"The theory didn't seem to be true and kept running into these problems with infinity, but we just knew it was so beautiful, all the parts fit together so perfectly, that it had to mean something." - John Shwarz, talking about string theory

The second one reminds me that when something feels right, it probably is even if all the logic and everyone else is telling you it's wrong.

[Ineedaride2]

"Sometimes there's a peace that can only be found on the other side of war." - Sean Connery as King Arther

I like this, not because of its direct meaning, but because I'm not fond of confrontation. I've learned though, that sometimes I HAVE to confront my problems (no matter how much I dread them) if I want things to be simple again. If I don't, I'm just prolonging the inevitable and making things more difficult on myself.



Also (and I'm paraphrasing here)

"If you were born where they were born, with their genetics and upbringing, then you would think and do exactly as they have."

A good view to take before we pass judgment on others.

[fnord_too]

"When your only tool is a hammer, all problems tend to look like nails."

"History teaches us that nothing is usually the right thing to do, and almost always the right thing to say"

"It's better to regret something you have done than something you haven't done"

1 and 3 are not as at odds with each other as one may think, since they really apply to different items.

Also, I don't think I really think any of these really had a huge impact on me. This might have, (from "Tequilla Sunrise") "Friends are the only thing in life you choose." Or it might just have articulated something I already thought.

Also, DCasper70 has really wise parents who give awesome advice.

Edit - I just remebered one that has had an impact. Shakespear (who has so many great quotes..)
"The fool doth think he is wise, but the wise man knows himself to be a fool"

[Dids]

It's not a quote that I can attribute to anybody, but when I was dealing with crippling insecurity a few years ago, it really helped to think

"It's not all about you".

[Hopey]

"The mass of men lead lives of quiet desperation."
-Henry David Thoreau

Life's but a walking shadow, a poor player
That struts and frets his hour upon the stage
And then is heard no more: it is a tale
Told by an idiot, full of sound and fury,
Signifying nothing.
-William Shakespeare

[Nate.]

Oh, and I forgot:

"Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a harder battle." -- Plato

[AZK]

It's not whether you get knocked down, it's whether you get up. - Lombardi

[mntbikr15]

"Kick the habit of being nice to everyone you meet. Do they deserve it? Say "no" more often"
-Mark Twight

[pvn]

[ QUOTE ]
"Deserve's got nothing to do with it"

[/ QUOTE ]

Excellent one.

"The more you tighten your grip, Tarkin, the more star systems will slip through your fingers."

"The world is ruled by letting things take their course.
It can not be ruled by interfering."

[theBruiser500]

[ QUOTE ]
Oh, and I forgot:

"Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a harder battle." -- Plato

[/ QUOTE ]

I like this one a lot Nate. Here is one I heard recently on Amores Perros, "To make god laugh, tell him your plans."