Tag: buddhism

Simplicity is synonymous with an intellectual comfort zone.  It is insufficient to stay in the realm of what is already known, for we would never learn anything new.  I admire the one who ventures into the wilds of complex phenomena, and through the strength of their perception and discipline, makes good on their predictions by…

The beauty of honest assessment (accurately perceiving where you stand in relation to your goals) is that it allows for the possibility of a flexible strategy, even one that is outwardly “dishonest.”  (Deception, after all, is common in war).   This is of the utmost importance in formulating plans and structures.  Otherwise, the foundation of…

Knowing when to break/bend the rules is a function of clear perception; one must know the intent behind those rules, why they were established, and in what instances they fail. Without that clarity, a rule-breaker is just as ineffective as a tradition-bound tyrant.

Apply known principles to unknown frontiers, and not only will you build a solid scaffolding with which you can manage greater levels of chaos and reap greater levels of reward, you’ll blaze a path forged from logic and example so that others can follow.

In many cases, people only change in the face of discomfort—when an external pressure incentivizes them to try something new, or shift their perspective.  We have that in common with animals and machines:  an outside force is fairly effective at causing us to adopt a new method.  But as humans, we possess the amazing potential…

Running from problems works incredibly well—right up to the point where you tire, slip, and your accumulated pursuers pile upon you.    Personally, I think it’s better—though it might be inconvenient—to confront a problem when it’s still small.   The other way—confronting it after it’s grown into a raging monster—is utterly exhausting.

We’ve all seen it—as the years pile on, a lot of people use their experience and knowledge to become more and more reactive, paralyzed by anything that appears to be the least bit strange, unable to take risks or act with audacity.  That’s their choice and it’s neither good nor bad.  Personally, however, I prefer…

A good student will embrace the opportunity to surpass their teacher.  A good teacher will welcome the chance to become their pupil.  As this cycle perpetuates, I think the dogmatic labels of “teacher” and “student” will fall away, and the two will simply see each other as good friends.  (Which is why I think Buddha…

“Brought low by a lack of discipline, audacity, strategic thinking, or any combination of the aforementioned qualities.”   I’ve lived that story countless times, and do my best to avoid doing so again, because the ending SUCKS.