The proud and the selfish

To be proud of yourself for works that are either ordinary or extraordinary is still the same: it is selfish.

Becoming selfless is taking the "me" out of the equation. By removing the self, one becomes a servant. To serve others unconditionally is a noble goal and a great achievement of the heart, mind and spirit.

Who do you serve and how?

How can you serve others daily?

Enjoy!

Machiavelli Morning

"Men judge generally more by the eye than by the hand, for everyone can see and few can feel. Every one sees what you appear to be, few really know what you are."

"Matters of great concern should be treated lightly.''

Among the maxims on Lord Naoshige's wall there was this one: ''Matters of great concern should be treated lightly.'' Master lttei commented, "Matters of small concern should be treated seriously." Among one's affairs there should not be more than two or three matters of what one could call great concern. If these are deliberated upon during ordinary times, they can be understood.

Thinking about things previously and then handling them lightly when the time comes is what this is all about. To face an event anew solve it lightly is difficult if you are not resolved beforehand, and there will always be uncertainty in hitting your mark. However, if the foundation is laid previously, you can think of the saying, "Matters of great concern should be treated lightly," as your own basis for action.

From Chapter One of The Hagakure
—Yamamoto Tsunetomo (1659 - 1719)

Another One from Marcus

Never esteem anything as of advantage to you that will make you break your word or lose your self-respect.

Fine words to live by.

Mental Beats Precept 006

Leave your comfort zone in order to prove your theories.

Mental Beats Precept 004

There are no bad ideas only bad results.

More on Pure Thoughts

The title sounds a bit reminiscent of the KISS rule, Keep It Simple Stupid; but the pun is unintentional.

Your thoughts are your business but the idea that you become those thoughts over time. Then the business of your mind becomes public domain. This was the case and still is the case of many writers. This is the intention of said writers. To exercise the thoughts from their mind into a tangible medium.

In the case of Marcus Aurelius Antoninus (AD 161–180), his intention was just that, to take the thoughts out of his head and attach it to a tangible object. His diary, Meditations, was intended for his eyes only. It is a rare glimpse into the world of a man who had a difficult job bestowed upon him. He had to rule the Roman Empire. And rule he did. Classified as the prime example of the golden age of Rome, he did a great many things in his time. The driving force he used was a set of principles that held him accountable not only for his actions but his thoughts as well.

"The happiness of your life depends upon the quality of your thoughts, therefore guard accordingly; and take care that you entertain no notions unsuitable to virtue, and reasonable nature." —Marcus Aurelius

In order to create anything, having a clean slate to start with is ideal. Often times this is not always possible, but it is an ideal nonetheless. Having clear thoughts is the first principle on how to achieve your goals.

Going back to the idea of the importance of clarity, if we take it a step further we can see how we can actually improve resolution. By having a clear mind going into a project, the outcomes will be limitless. By going into a project with an agenda, these barricades will obstruct clarity.

How then is the best way to go into project? Of course we have an idea of what we want to or would like to accomplish. Otherwise why would we have a meeting?

If the meeting to tell the other side what we (as a group) are going to do, then it is not a collaboration, but a directive. If we first seek to understand each other and offer solutions based on the needs analysis of the situation, then we are a step closer to having clarity.


In Pulp Fiction, Uma asks "Are you the kinda person that waits to speaks, or listens?"


Do you really listen?


Thanks!

Matthew, MB



Beat your mental.