QUOTATIONS

One of America’s most famous poets, Walt Whitman, published the first version of Song of Myself in 1855.  Both he and the poem evolved over the years, and today we take a look at brief section, perhaps the most famous and well known, of this fantastic poem.  We dissect it for meaning, for learning, and for fun.  I hope you enjoy this classic as much as I did.

Rayne Constantine is a scientist, author, and runs the excellent Facebook page Insufferably Intolerant Science Nerd.  This week’s quote is a great one...a truth that once put before us, brings many interactions into stark relief.  Respect has many meanings.  Rayne’s challenge to us is to ensure ours match the situation and the recipient.

Norman Maclean penned A River Runs Through It, which was and is wildly popular and has inspired generations to get outside.  Today’s quote comes from his lesser known, but equally impressive book, Young Men & Fire.  Maclean traces the tragedy of the Mann Gulch Fire of 1949 up and down the terrain repeatedly, for years, until he arrives at the truth.  In the process, he discovers many things, not least of which being the value of the lives of those who perished there.

Joe Rogan is a comedian, UFC commentator, and podcast host.  He’s also been the source of a lot of controversy recently, though that’s not what we are here to discuss today.  In this episode we examine his words from an old episode of his podcast that echo to today.  We are not our thoughts and we need not defend them if they are bad or wrong.    

We can and should be willing to learn from anyone.  This quote is a timely example of that.

Billings Learned Hand was one of the most accomplished and eloquent speakers in US court history, serving for more than 50 years as both a District and Circuit Court judge.  He spoke and wrote in a way that compels us, the listener and reader to internalize, think on, and act upon his words.  

Today’s quote was spoken by Hand, originally, during an address to the students of Yale Law in 1931.  It’s as true today as ever.

Kobe Bryant had an illustrious 20-year career...5x NBA champion, 2x MVP, 2x Olympic Gold Medalist, and many more.  His passion for the game took him through many trials and significant pain.  His perspective on pain can teach us about our own, inevitable pains in life.

Tim Urban, the pen and the paintbrush behind the popular site, Wait But Why takes challenging and interesting topics, decomposes them, deciphers the parts, and dedicates thousands of words and illustrations to educating us.  Today’s quote is about leadership, specifically change-oriented leadership...no easy task.  Don’t preach to the choir.

Viktor Frankl grew up in Austria-Hungary, spent 3 years in 4 concentration camps under Nazi annexation, and survived it all to write one of the most published books on Psychology in existence, Man’s Search for Meaning.  He saw, first hand, the value of meaning and purpose in life’s mundane and difficult drudgeries.  He built an approach to psychology that has helped countless millions understand the way and the reason why they think the way they do.  He also gives us today’s quote about the transience of life’s moments and how best to approach them.

James Madison, founding father and 4th President of the United States also authored numerous essays along with John Jay and Alexander Hamilton for the Federalist Papers in a successful information campaign to convince New York (and other states) to ratify the Constitution.  As a result, we have the federal government we know today.  He was able to speak as the voice of reason for long-term goals at the expense of short-term enjoyment.  This is an important lesson for all of us.

David Deutsch is the father of Quantum Computing and knows a LOT about hard problems.  Hard problems surround us and permeate our daily lives.  Some have remained unsolved for hundreds or more years.  Yet, according to Deutsch, we can and might very well solve this with just the right mix of things.  His words form the most pure optimism.