The ancestor of every action is a thought. —Ralph Waldo Emerson
Interpretation
Our actions originate from our thoughts, highlighting the power of mindset.
The quote emphasizes that every action we take begins with a thought. It points to the significance of our mindset in shaping our behaviors and decisions, suggesting that by changing our thoughts, we can influence our actions and ultimately, our lives.
In practice
In a motivational speech about personal growth, I would say, 'Remember, the ancestor of every action is a thought.'
Isn't it interesting that people feel best about themselves right before they go on vacation? They've cleared up all of their to-do piles, closed up transactions, renewed old promises with themselves. My most basic suggestion is that people should do that more than just once a year.
It is a tricky business to know when you should set goals and objectives in order to achieve a focus, and when you would be better off dealing with the acceptance and management of your current reality so you can later step into new directions and responsibilities with greater stability and clarity. Only you will know the answer to that, and only in the moment.
Most of the stress people experience comes from inappropriately managed commitments they make or accept.
Once a week, do a thorough review of all your projects in as much detail as you need to. If you do, your systems will work. If you don't, no system will work.
You don't actually do a project; you can only do action steps related to it. When enough of the right action steps have been taken, some situation will have been created that matches your initial picture of the outcome closely enough that you can call it "done.
Your mind is for having ideas, not holding them.
It is an unscrupulous intellect that does not pay to antiquity its due reverence.
When you see a good person, think of becoming like her/him. When you see someone not so good, reflect on your own weak points.
"Why is everyone here so happy except me?" "Because they have learned to see goodness and beauty everywhere," said the Master. "Why don't I see goodness and beauty everywhere?" "Because you cannot see outside of you what you fail to see inside."
Where wisdom is called for, force is of little use.
"Genius is divine perseverance." Divine patience I believe he originally used, perseverance is better in my opinion. Genius I cannot claim nor even extra brightness but perseverance all can have.
It is good to vary in order that you may frustrate the curious, especially those who envy you.
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