As I reflect back on my life, I realize that there were so many things that I worried about that, in the end, really didn’t matter. So many things that I focused on that took my attention away from what was truly important. As you sit here now, at 90 years old, I want to share with you some of the things that I have learned about what truly matters in life, and how to achieve the balance that you are looking for.
First and foremost, what matters most in life is the people that you love. The relationships that you have with your family and friends are what truly make life worth living. Take the time to cherish these relationships, and always make sure to let those around you know how much you love and appreciate them.
Secondly, don’t take life too seriously. There will be ups and downs, but at the end of the day, life is meant to be enjoyed. Take time to laugh, to enjoy the simple things, and to appreciate the beauty in the world around you.
Thirdly, always take care of yourself. You only get one body, and it is important to treat it well. Eat well and stay active. Take care of not only your physical health, but also your mental health. This will allow you to enjoy life to the fullest.
Lastly, don’t wait to live the life that you want. It is never too late to pursue your dreams, to try something new, or to take a chance. Life is too short to live with regret, so always be true to yourself, and never be afraid to take a risk.
As I look back on my life, I realize that achieving balance was not always easy. But I also know that it is never too late to make changes, to focus on what truly matters, and to create a life that is fulfilling and meaningful. So my advice to you, my dear self, is to always remember what truly matters in life, and to strive to live a life that is full of love, laughter, and happiness.
In a world where manners and respect are fading away, the idea of chivalry may seem like a relic of the past. However, the values of chivalry – respect, honor, and kindness – are as important today as they were in the Middle Ages.
Chivalry is more than just holding open doors and giving up your seat on a bus. It is a way of life that emphasizes the importance of treating others with dignity and respect, especially those who may be weaker or more vulnerable. In modern society, this can mean standing up for those who are bullied or mistreated, speaking out against injustice, and showing kindness to those who are struggling.
Being chivalrous can improve your relationships with others in countless ways. When you treat others with respect and kindness, you earn their trust and admiration. You become someone that others can rely on and turn to in times of need. And, in turn, they are more likely to treat you with the same level of respect and kindness.
Chivalry is also important in romantic relationships. When you treat your partner with respect and kindness, you build a strong foundation of trust and mutual respect. You become more attuned to their needs and desires, and are more likely to build a lasting and fulfilling relationship.
The Seven Capital Virtues of the Judeo-Christian Tradition: Chastity, Temperance, Charity, Diligence, Kindness, Patience, and Humility.These are the foundation for the art of chivalry.
But chivalry is not just about how we treat others – it is also about how we treat ourselves. When we embody the values of chivalry, we become more confident, self-assured, and grounded in our beliefs and values. We become the kind of person that we would want to be friends with.
Chivalry is not just for men, either. Women can also embody the values of chivalry and be strong, compassionate, and honorable in their interactions with others.
Unfortunately, chivalry seems to be in short supply in modern society. We are often too busy or too distracted to take the time to show kindness and respect to those around us. But by making a conscious effort to be more chivalrous in our daily lives, we can make a positive impact on those around us and help to build a more respectful and kind society.
In conclusion, chivalry may be a lost art, but it is one that is sorely needed in modern society. By embodying the values of respect, honor, and kindness, we can improve our relationships with others, build strong and lasting connections, and become the kind of person that others can look up to and admire. So let us all strive to be more chivalrous in our daily lives, and to build a better and more compassionate world. Chivarly is not dead, long live the chivalrous!
As Darth Vader, I know a thing or two about the light and dark sides of the Force. I have walked the path of the dark side, and I have seen the power that it can bring. But I have also come to understand the paradox that exists between light and dark, and the way in which they are intertwined in our journey towards success.
Success is a tricky thing, because it can mean different things to different people. For some, success is measured in power and control. For others, it is measured in personal fulfillment and happiness. But regardless of how you define success, the paradox between light and dark can help guide you on your path.
The light side of the Force is often associated with compassion, selflessness, and a desire to help others. These are noble qualities that can lead to personal fulfillment and happiness. But they can also lead to a sense of powerlessness and a lack of control over one’s own destiny. The dark side, on the other hand, is associated with strength, power, and control. These are qualities that can help you achieve your goals and succeed in life. But they can also lead to a sense of isolation and detachment from others.
The key to success is finding balance between the light and dark sides of the Force. It is important to cultivate compassion and selflessness, but also to have the strength and determination to achieve your goals. It is important to help others, but also to take care of yourself and your own needs. It is important to be humble, but also to have confidence in your abilities.
I have learned this lesson the hard way. I was consumed by the dark side for many years, and it led to my downfall. But in my redemption, I have come to understand the importance of balance and the paradox between light and dark.
So, my dear reader, as you journey towards success, remember that the light and dark sides of the Force are not mutually exclusive. They can coexist within you, and in fact, they must coexist in order for you to achieve true success. May the Force be with you on your journey.
Sincerely,
Darth Vader
Some More Articles About Success from A Galaxy Far, Far, Beyond…
This article is written from the potential point of view of Thanos on utilitarianism.
As a villain, I know that my actions have often been seen as cruel and unjust. But from my point of view, I am simply trying to create a better world for everyone. I believe in the philosophy of utilitarianism, which holds that the best course of action is the one that maximizes overall happiness and well-being for the greatest number of people.
Utilitarianism is often criticized for being too focused on the greater good and not taking into account the needs and wants of individuals. But I believe that in order to truly create a better world, sacrifices must be made. The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few.
“The Hardest Choices Require The Strongest Wills.”
Thanos
In my quest for the Infinity Stones, I sought to use their power to eliminate half of all life in the universe. This may seem cruel, but from a utilitarian perspective, it was, in my opinion, the best course of action. By reducing the population, I aimed to create a more sustainable world where resources were not overtaxed and everyone could live in peace and prosperity.
Of course, my methods may seem extreme, and I recognize that there were other ways to achieve this goal. But the principle of utilitarianism can still be applied to everyday life in a more positive way. For example, when making decisions, we should consider the impact that they will have on the greater good. We should aim to maximize happiness and well-being for as many people as possible, rather than just focusing on our own personal interests.
Utilitarianism also encourages us to think beyond our immediate surroundings and to consider the needs of those outside of our own community or even our own species. This is particularly important in today’s globalized world, where our actions can have far-reaching consequences.
Utilitarianism may have been used by a villain like me for extreme purposes, but the underlying philosophy can be applied in a more positive way to help us make the world a better place. By considering the greater good and maximizing happiness and well-being for as many people as possible, we can create a more just and equitable society
Yoda, the wise and powerful Jedi Master from the Star Wars franchise, has inspired generations with his unique brand of wisdom. While Yoda is best known for his teachings on the Force and Jedi philosophy, his words also provide insight into how we can maintain healthy relationships with others. Here are some key elements of Yoda’s wisdom and how they can be applied to building and maintaining strong connections with the people in our lives.
“Size matters not. Look at me. Judge me by my size, do you?”
Yoda is trying to warn others not to judge him by his appearance alone. Looking deeper and focusing on another’s character and inner qualities is important in developing strong connections. Approaching others with an open mind and heart is what allows the formation of a healthy, authentic relationship.
“Do or do not, there is no try.”
This quote emphasizes the importance of commitment in our relationships. We need to show up fully and be present for the people in our lives, putting in the effort and energy necessary to build and maintain strong connections. My grandmother used to always say, “a relationship is not ’50/50′ it is ‘100/100′”, which means you have to put in 100% to create truly deep connections with others.
“The fear of loss is a path to the Dark Side.”
Yoda’s words here serve as a reminder to not let fear drive our relationships. When we hold onto people out of fear of losing them, we create an unhealthy dynamic that can be damaging to both ourselves and the other person. Instead, we need to trust in the strength of our connections and work to build relationships that are founded on mutual respect, trust, and love.
“Patience you must have, my young Padawan.”
Building healthy relationships takes time and effort, and we need to be patient as we navigate the ups and downs of connecting with others. We need to give people the space to be themselves and not rush the process, allowing our connections to grow and develop naturally over time.
“Much to learn, you still have.”
This quote reminds us that we are always learning and growing in our relationships with others. No one is perfect, and we need to approach our connections with a sense of humility and a willingness to learn from our experiences.
“Train yourself to let go of everything you fear to lose.”
This quote speaks to the importance of detachment in our relationships. While we want to invest in our connections and care deeply for the people in our lives, we also need to be able to let go and release our grip when necessary. This is especially true of the parent-child relationship. When we are too attached, we risk stifling our relationships, and that is no good!
“Fear is the path to the dark side. Fear leads to anger, anger leads to hate, hate leads to suffering.”
Fear can be a fungal rot on any relationship. When we approach our connections from a place of fear, we risk creating a cycle of negativity and pain. Instead, we need to approach our relationships from a place of love and compassion, working to build bridges rather than walls.
By incorporating Yoda’s wisdom into our relationships with others, we can build and maintain strong connections that are grounded in authenticity, commitment, and love. Whether we are navigating romantic partnerships, friendships, or family relationships, these teachings can help us approach our connections with a sense of purpose and intentionality, which with any luck will hopefully last a lifetime!
The Boglehead’s philosophy is named after John C. Bogle, the founder of Vanguard and a pioneer of low-cost index investing. If you follow the Boglehead reddit group you will find that many people are die hard fans of the vision of Vanguard’s founder. Bogleheads believe in following a simple and disciplined investment strategy to achieve their financial goals. Here’s how the wisdom of Bogleheads can help you achieve financial stability:
Start early: Compound interest is your friend… I repeat, compounding interest is your friend! Albert Einstein famously said, “compounding interest is the 8th wonder of the world” (in actuality there is no evidence that he actually said this, but it certainly may be true). By investing early, you can allow your investments to grow over time and use compounding interest to your advantage. Compounding occurs when the money you earn in interest also starts earning interest. This can be an extremely powerful force for wealth generation over the long-haul.
Focus on low-cost index funds: Bogle believed that low-cost index funds are the best way for the average investor to achieve their financial goals. Index funds provide broad market exposure and reduce the risk of investing by avoiding the need to pick individual stocks. Historically even highly experienced investment “professionals” rarely beat the return of the various stock indices!
Diversify your portfolio: Diversification is key to reducing risk and achieving financial goals. The Bogleheads recommend investing in a mix of stocks, bonds, and other assets in order to diversify your portfolio and reduce risk. The old adage of “never put all your eggs in one basket” is an important part of smart investing.
Avoid trying to time the market: The Bogleheads believe that trying to time the market is a losing game. They advise investors to focus on the long-term potential of their investments and not react to short-term market fluctuations. As frequently mentioned by die-hard Bogleheads – “time in the market always beats timing the market”.
Be patient: The Bogleheads emphasize the importance of patience in achieving financial goals. To be a Boglehead you have to have a reasonably long time horizon. The idea of “quick money” doesn’t exist in the lexicon of a true Boglehead, which brings us to…
Avoid chasing high-yield investments: The Bogleheads warn against chasing high-yield investments, which often come with high risk. They advise investors to focus on low-cost index funds that provide broad market exposure and reduce risk.
Rebalance your portfolio regularly: Regular rebalancing is a key component of the Bogleheads investment strategy. By rebalancing your portfolio, you can ensure that your investments remain in line with your financial goals and risk tolerance.
By following the wisdom of the Bogleheads, individuals can take control of their finances and achieve their financial goals. Whether you are just starting out or you have been investing for years, this philosophy provides valuable insights that can help you make informed decisions and achieve your financial goals.
***The GoalDude.com is not a financial advisor so use this information at your own success or peril!***
Make That Money… More Articles on Financial Success
I came across these nuggets of gold during my undergraduate work. I found them humorous and filled with very good advice for living a fulfilling and successful life. The Cowboy’s Guide to Life (at least the version I copied down in my journal many years ago) is reproduced below with our interpretations beneath each. We hope you like!
“Most of the stuff people worry about ain’t never gonna happen anyway.”
Worrying too much about the future is often pointless, as many of the things we worry about never actually happen. It can be better to focus on the present moment and take action to address any real problems as they arise.
“Life ain’t about how fast you run, or how high you climb, but how well you bounce.”
Resilience and adaptability in life are paramount to living a fulfilling life. It’s not always about achieving great success or reaching the top, but about being able to handle setbacks in a constructive way.
“Words that soak into your ears are whispered, not yelled.”
Effective communication is more more about how you say something than what you say. Speaking calmly and respectfully can be remarkably persuasive.
“Life is simpler when you plow around the stump.”
A practical, problem-solving approach to life will get you much further than trying to tackle every single problem that arises. Instead of trying to remove every obstacle or challenge that comes our way, sometimes it’s easier and more effective to simply work around it.
“Forgive your enemies. It messes up their heads.”
Forgiveness can be a powerful tool for both the forgiver and the forgiven. It can be difficult to let go of anger and resentment, but doing will almost invariably lead to greater peace and happiness.
“Don’t sell your mule to buy a plow.”
Avoid impulsive decisions that sacrifice long-term stability for short-term gain. It’s important to consider the consequences of our actions and make decisions that will benefit us in the long run.
“If you’re ridin’ ahead of the herd, take a look back every now and then to make sure it’s still there with ya.”
Remember to stay connected to others and not become too focused on our own goals and desires. As a leader it is important to ensure that the people following you have bought into your vision of how to accomplish the task at hand. Additionally, being aware of how your actions impact others is important to becoming respected and loved.
“Do not corner something that you know is meaner than you. You cannot unsay a cruel word.”
In other words, choose our battles wisely and be mindful of our words and actions. Once something hurtful is said or done, it cannot be taken back, so it’s important to act with a healthy dose of caution and kindness.
“Remember that silence is sometimes the best answer.”
The power of restraint and choosing not to engage in unnecessary conflict or drama is a very useful skill. Sometimes the best way to handle a situation is simply to stay quiet and let things play out. Another humorous way to approach this is: “It is better to remain silent and be thought a fool, than to speak and remove all doubt.” (I believe it was Jefferson who said this, but I could be wrong…).
“Don’t interfere with somethin’ that ain’t botherin’ you none.”
Don’t go searching for a fight! The most elite special forces in the world know this; it is better to walk away from a fight than to actively encourage it, especially when there is nothing to gain.
“Timing has a lot to do with the outcome of a rain dance.”
Circumstances can play a big role in whether or not someone is successful. It’s important to be aware of the factors that may impact our success and to be strategic in our actions. Often times, we cannot control these factors, but nonetheless we whould still do our best! Food-for-though: would Bill Gates have been Bill Gates if he was born in the year 1200???
“The easiest way to eat crow is while it’s still warm. The colder it gets, the harder it is to swaller.”
This quotation encourages us to take responsibility for our mistakes and apologize as soon as possible. The longer we wait, the harder it can be to make things right. Taking responsibility for our actions is always appropriate!
“If you find yourself in a hole, the first thing to do is stop diggin’.”
Pretty good advice! In other words, if things are not going the way you were hoping, it is probably better to stop doing what you are doing and re-think your strategy.
“The biggest troublemaker you’ll probably ever have to deal with looks at you in the mirror every mornin’.”
It usually isn’t the world that gets in the way, it is our own short-comings. Get out of your own way!
“Don’t worry about bitin’ off more ‘n you can chew; your mouth is probably a whole lot bigger’n you think.”
Take risks and push yourself outside of comfort zones, even if it feels daunting. It’s important to remember that we are often capable of much more than we realize.
“Good judgment comes from experience, and a lotta that comes from bad judgment.”
You will make mistakes in life! This is unavoidable. Fortunately, mistakes serve as valuable learning experience. It’s important to approach failures or setbacks with a growth mindset and use them as an opportunity to gain wisdom and improve in the future.
“Remember: Don’t squat with your spurs on.”
This humorous quotation serves as a reminder to be mindful and intentional in our actions, rather than rushing into things without proper preparation or forethought.
“Live a good, honorable life. Then when you get older and think back, you’ll enjoy it a second time.”
This quotation encourages us to prioritize living a life of integrity and purpose, rather than simply pursuing wealth or fame. By living in a way that aligns with our values, we can find deeper meaning and satisfaction in life.
“If you get to thinkin’ you’re a person of some influence, try orderin’ somebody else’s dog around.”
Ain’t this the truth! Stay humble and don’t let success go to your head. It’s important to treat others with kindness and respect, regardless of your “status” or accomplishments.
“Lettin’ the cat outta the bag is a whole lot easier than puttin’ it back in.”
This quotation encourages us to be mindful of the potential consequences of our words and actions. It’s important to think before we speak or act, because once something is said or done, it can be difficult or impossible to take back.
“The best sermons are lived, not preached.”
This saying emphasizes the importance of leading by example. Our actions speak louder than our words, so it’s important to strive to be a positive role model for others.
“Keep skunks and politicians and lawyers at a distance.”
Treat everyone with respect, but reminder to be cautious and discerning in your relationships and interactions with others. A corollary to this is that it is important to surround ourselves with people who uplift and support us, rather than those who may bring negativity or drama into our lives.
“It don’t take a very big person to carry a grudge.”
Let go of anger and resentment towards others; holding onto grudges only harms ourselves in the long run. It takes strength to forgive and move on, but doing so can bring greater peace and happiness into our lives.
“If it don’t seem like it’s worth the effort, it probably ain’t.”
It is important to be mindful of where we invest our time and energy, and to focus on pursuits that truly matter to us. If we don’t follow this rule it is easy to get distracted and flounder in life.
“It’s better to be a has-been than a never-was.”
This quotation encourages us to take risks and pursue our dreams, rather than letting fear hold us back. Just by trying at something you are already proving your worth in life.
Fear is a natural human emotion, but it can also be a powerful obstacle that prevents us from achieving our goals and living our best lives. Fortunately, many religions offer guidance on how to accept and persevere through fear, reminding us that we are not alone in our struggles. In this article, we will draw on the wisdom of different religions in order to learn how to deal with fear.
In Buddhism, fear is often seen as a manifestation of our attachment to the impermanent nature of the world. To overcome fear, Buddhists emphasize the importance of cultivating mindfulness and living in the present moment. By focusing on the here and now, we can learn to accept the impermanence of life and let go of our fears and anxieties.
Christianity sees fear as a lack of faith in God. To overcome fear, Christians emphasize the importance of trusting in God’s plan and purpose for our lives. By placing our faith in God, we can find the strength and courage to face our fears and overcome them. There are numerous examples in scripture discussing the acceptance and mitigation of fear in our lives.
John 14:27
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid
Deuteronomy 31:6
Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.
Isaiah 41:13
For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.
Fear in Hinduism can take the form of ignorance and illusion. Hindus emphasize the importance of pursuing knowledge and self-realization. By gaining a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world around us, we can learn to let go of our fears and live more fulfilling lives.
Muslims see fear as a natural emotion that should be acknowledged and accepted. However, Muslims are encouraged to place their trust in Allah and seek refuge in Him during times of fear and uncertainty. By relying on Allah’s guidance and protection, Muslims can find the strength and courage to overcome their fears and persevere through difficult times.
And go down from it, all of you. And when my guidance comes to you,and whoever follows my guidance, they will have no fear, nor will they grieve.
Surah Al Baqarah, Verse 38
In Judaism, fear is often seen as a manifestation of a lack of faith in God’s providence. To overcome fear, Jews emphasize the importance of trusting in God’s plan and living a life of righteousness and obedience to His commandments. By placing our faith in God and living a life of virtue, we can find the courage and strength to overcome our fears and live fulfilling lives.
Fear is a natural human emotion that can prevent us from living our best lives. By drawing on the wisdom of different religions, we can learn to accept and persevere through fear. Whether through mindfulness, faith, knowledge, trust, or virtue, we can find the strength and courage to overcome our fears and live fulfilling lives. By embracing our fears we can grow stronger and become better versions of ourselves.
Throughout history, some military generals have been revered for their leadership, courage, and determination in the face of adversity. These traits have earned them the respect of their troops, the admiration of their peers, and the enduring recognition of history. However, in the modern world, what does it mean to be a great man? A great definition I have come across is that a great man is measured by the amount of effort it takes to discourage him. In this article, we will draw on the wisdom of a few great military generals across generations to define what it means to be a great man in the modern world.
You cannot be great without having a sense of purpose and direction. A great man is someone who knows what they stand for and is committed to achieving their goals. This sense of purpose is what drives them forward and inspires those around them to follow their lead.
Great men have the courage to take risks and make difficult decisions. This does not mean taking flagrant risk; it means taking calculated risk that is likely to pay off. In the military, generals are often called upon to make tough choices that can put many in harm’s way. Great men accept the risks of these decisions, and more importantly, they take ownership of the results of these decisions.
Alexander the Great is regarded as one of the greatest military commanders in history. He conquered much of the known world in his lifetime, demonstrating incredible strategic and tactical abilities on the battlefield. Despite many challenges and setbacks, he remained determined and focused on achieving his goals.
Perhaps one of the most important traits of a great man is the resilience to persevere in the face of adversity. Military generals know all too well the challenges of war and the toll it can take on the body and mind. A great man is someone who has the mental and physical toughness to overcome these challenges and keep fighting for what they believe in.
Having the humility to recognize the contributions of others is another important characteristic of great men. No great man achieves success alone, and military generals are no exception. A great man is someone who acknowledges the contributions of their team and gives credit where credit is due. They understand that true greatness is achieved through collaboration and teamwork, not individual effort alone.
Dwight D. Eisenhower was a five-star general in the United States Army and the 34th President of the United States. He played a key role in the Allied victory in World War II, serving as Supreme Commander of the Allied Forces in Europe. He is also remembered for his leadership as President, particularly his efforts to promote civil rights and advance the cause of peace
Finally, being a great man means having a strong moral compass and acting with integrity in ALL situations. John C. Maxwell once said, “the true measure of your character is what you would do if you were sure no one would find out.” In other words, would you still act valiently if you knew you wouldn’t get credit? Would you return the lost money if no one was looking? All truly great men have an unwaivering dedication to living an ethical life.
Being a great man in the modern world means having a strong sense of purpose, the courage to take risks, the resilience to persevere, the humility to acknowledge the contributions of others, and the integrity to act with honor and respect. These are the traits that have defined many military generals throughout history, and they are just as relevant today as they were in the past. By embodying these values, we can all strive to be great men in our own lives and make a positive impact on the world around us!
Walt Whitman is one of America’s most celebrated poets. His works celebrate life, nature, and the human experience. As such, they often contain profound insight into what it means to be human. Here are some takeaways from Whitman’s poems that can make you a better person:
Whitman celebrated the diversity of human experience. He recognized that everyone has something valuable to contribute. It is easy to shy away from diversity, but it is diversity that allows us to grow and embrace new ways of thinking about the world.
Whitman’s prose is often filled with empathy. His ability to understand and appreciate the struggles of others was seen throughout his poetic works. Putting ourselves in others’ shoes, and more importantly, seeking to understand their experiences and perspectives, is paramount to living a fulfilling life.
Whitman was a an advocate of self-reflection. He recognized that a deeper understanding of oneself is essential for personal growth. Self-reflection allows us to recognize our strengths, weaknesses, and biases.
Life is fleeting and we must make the most of each day. This is a common thread in Whitman’s works. The quotation below illustrates this concept beautifully:
“Happiness, not in another place, but this place… Not for another hour, but this hour.” – Walt Whitman
Whitman was an advocate of gratitude. He recognized that being grateful for what we have is essential for living a blessed life. Taking the time to appreciate the important people and things will make us treat these aspects of our lives with the love and respect that they deserve.
There is wonder in even the most mundane aspects of life. To be a better person, you must cultivate a sense of wonder, finding joy in the simple things; by doing so we can appreciate the beauty and meaning in the world around us.
Whitman believed in the power of community. He understood that we are all interconnected and that we must work together to create a better world. To be a better person, we must foster a sense of community, building connections with others, and working together to create a better world.
In conclusion, the works of Walt Whitman provide valuable insights into what it means to be a better person. By embracing diversity, cultivating empathy, practicing self-reflection, embracing the present moment, practicing gratitude, cultivating a sense of wonder, and fostering a sense of community, we can become better people and create a better world.
