Willard Van Orman Quine (June 25th, 1908 – December 25th, 2000), an American philosopher and logician in the analytic tradition, was known as "one of the most influential philosophers of the twentieth century". Below we list some words of wisdom from Willard Van Orman Quine. "Necessity resides in the way we talk about things, not in the things we talk about." "Logic chases truth up the tree of grammar." "I have been accused of denying consciousness but I am not conscious of having done so."
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Malcolm Forbes (August 19, 1919 – February 24, 1990) was an American businessman and publisher of Forbes magazine, which was founded by his father B. C. Forbes. He promoted capitalism and free market economics and was known for an extravagant lifestyle, including spending $2.5 million on his 70th birthday party. Below we list some words of wisdom from Malcolm Forbes. “Too many people overvalue what they are not and undervalue what they are.” “If you've had a good time playing the game, you're a winner even if you lose.”
Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel (August 27th, 1770 – November 14th, 1831) was a German philosopher and an important voice of German idealism and 19th-century philosophy. He wrote about the philosophical side of many contemporary topics, including metaphysics, art, history, politics, and religion. He is famous for The Phenomenology of Spirit, The Science of Logic, and University of Berlin lectures on subjects from his Encyclopedia of the Philosophical Sciences. Below we list some words of wisdom from Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel.
Blaise Pascal (June 19th,1623 – August 19th,1662) was a French mathematician, physicist, writer, philosopher, child prodigy, and inventor of the mechanical calculator. His earliest mathematical work was on projective geometry at the age of 16. He also heavily influenced the development of modern economics and social science. Below we list words of wisdom by Blaise Pascal. "Truth is so obscure in these times, and falsehood so established, that, unless we love the truth, we cannot know it." "Don't try to add more years to your life. Better add more life to your years."
Dante Alighieri (May 1265 – September 14, 1321), was an Italian philosopher, poet, and writer. He was influential in establishing Italy’s literature and is considered one of the world’s greatest literary legends. He is most known for his portrayals of Heaven and Hell. Below we list some words of wisdom from Dante Alighieri. “Astrology, the noblest of sciences.” “I am made of God, through his Grace. Such that your misery touches me not, Nor does flame of that burning assail me.” “Fate's arrow, when expected, travels slow.” “The path to paradise begins in hell.”
Democritus (â460 – 370 BC) was an Ancient Greek philosopher from Abdera. He is famous for an atomic theory of the universe. Democritus wrote extensively on many subjects including poetry, military tactics, harmony, and Babylonian theology. His original work didn’t survive, but many second-hand references come from Aristotle, who saw him as an important figure in natural philosophy. He was known as the ‘laughing philosopher’ because of his emphasis on the importance of cheerfulness. Below we list some words of wisdom from Democritus.
Virgil (October 15, 70 BC – September 21,19 BC), was an ancient Roman poet who composed three of the most famous poems in Latin literature: the Eclogues, the Georgics, and the epic Aeneid. T.S. Eliot, 19th century poet and playwright, said, "What Is a Classic? Whatever the definition we arrive at, it cannot be one which excludes Virgil – we may say confidently that it must be one which will expressly reckon with him." Below we list some words of wisdom from Virgil. “Fate will find a way.”
Horace (December 8, 65 BC – November 27, 8 BC), was an ancient Roman poet renowned for his lyric poetry and satires. His works, including blend wit, wisdom, and reflections on human nature, offering timeless insights into living a balanced and virtuous life. A leading poet under Emperor Augustus, Horace’s influence endured through the ages, shaping Roman literature and beyond. The English poet Alexander Pope praised Horace, noting, “He is the great master of good sense and good taste, whose works teach us how to think and how to live.”
Mayankbhai's son's wedding was being celebrated with pomp and splendour. As Ashokbhai and his wife Kantaben got down of the taxi, they were awe-struck. Mayankbhai's farm house was lavishly decorated. A grand high entrance, colorful flower vines, royal Moroccan theme decorations and glittering golden chandeliers graced the wedding hall. While walking on the pink carpet spread through the long passage, Kantaben said to Ashokbhai,rnâDidn't I say? When the invitation card itsel
Kimitake Hiraoka (平岡 å¬å¨ January 14th, 1925 – November 25th, 1970), known by his pen name Yukio Mishima (ä¸å³¶ ç±ç´å¤«), was a Japanese author, playwright, actor, poet, model, Shintoist, and the leader of an attempted coup d'état that culminated in his ritual suicide. Below we list some words of wisdom from Kimitake Hiraoka. "Perfect purity is possible if you turn your life into a line of poetry written with a splash of blood." "As long as you know I am waiting, take your time flowers of the spring." "True beauty is something that attacks, overpowers, robs, and finally destroys."r
Ovid (circa 43 BC), was a Roman poet whose lyrical verses have transcended time, offering profound insights into love, change, and the human spirit. His works like Metamorphoses, Ars Amatoria, and Tristia offer timeless truths. Ovid’s ability to capture universal experiences makes his words as poignant today as they were in ancient Rome. Below we list some words of wisdom from Ovid. “Dripping water hollows out stone, not through force but through persistence.” “Chance is always powerful. Let your hook be always cast; in the stream where you least expect it, there will be fish.”
Heraclitus (500 BC) was an ancient Greek philosopher. He influenced ancient and modern Western philosophy, through Plato, Hegel, Aristotle, Heidegger, and others. The main ideas of his philosophy are the unity of opposites and the concept of change. Below we list some words of wisdom from Heraclitus. "Wisdom consists in speaking and acting the truth." "What sense or thought do they have? They follow the popular singers, and they take the crowd as their teacher." "There is nothing permanent except change."
Jacques Derrida (July 15th,1930 – October 9th, 2004) was a French Algerian philosopher and author of over 40 books and hundreds of essays. He significantly influenced philosophy, sociolinguistics, music, literature, architecture, applied linguistics, political theory, law, psychoanalysis, anthropology, and historiography. Below we list some words of wisdom from Jacques Derrida. "If things were simple, word would have gotten around." "Who ever said that one was born just once?" "We are all mediators, translators."
Yamamoto Tsunetomo (å±±æ¬ å¸¸æ) (June 11th, 1659 – November 30th, 1719), was a samurai of the Saga Domain, in Hizen Province, under his lord Nabeshima Mitsushige. He became a Zen Buddhist priest and told his experiences, wisdom, memories, and theories to the samurai Tashiro Tsuramoto, who put them together in the book Hagakure. Below we list words of wisdom from Yamamoto Tsunetomo. "Human life is truly a short affair. It is better to live doing the things that you like." "A warrior is worthless unless he rises above others and stands strong in the midst of a storm."
Hesiod (circa 1200 BC), was an ancient Greek poet whose works are among the earliest surviving examples of Greek literature. He is best known for two major poems: Works and Days, offering practical advice on farming and morality, and Theogony, a cosmological epic detailing the origins of the gods and the universe. Hesiod’s writings reflect a conce for justice, order, and the human condition. Below we list some words of wisdom from Hesiod. “Do not seek evil gains; evil gains are the equivalent of disaster.”
Worrying that your money will be used up cannot preoccupy you. Whatever money is spent is fine. The spending of money is encouraged because it destroys your greed and allows you to keep giving. Upyoga is awareness. When you do something auspicious or give to charity, give with the awareness and intent that others will benefit from your donation. Give anonymously in order to avoid fame. That is called giving with awareness! That is called upyoga. There are some people who refu
Seneca The Younger (c. 4 BC – AD 65), was a Roman philosopher, statesman, and dramatist, known for his influential writings and tragedies. His works offer profound reflections on ethics, resilience, and the art of living well. As a tutor to Emperor Nero, Seneca navigated the complexities of Roman politics while advocating for virtue and reason. The philosopher Michel de Montaigne later remarked, “Seneca’s wisdom is a guide to life’s storms, teaching us to stand firm through reason and courage.”
Haruki Murakami æä¸ æ¥æ¨¹ (January 12th, 1949) is a Japanese international best-selling author who has sold millions of copies. He’s received many awards for his work, including the Gunzo Prize for New Writers, the World Fantasy Award, the Tanizaki Prize, Yomiuri Prize for Literature, the Frank O'Connor International Short Story Award, the Noma Literary Prize, the Franz Kafka Prize, the Kiriyama Prize for Fiction, the Goodreads Choice Awards for Best Fiction, the Jerusalem Prize, and the Princess of Asturias Awards.
Banana Yoshimoto (born July 24th 1964) is the pen name of Japanese writer Mahoko Yoshimoto. She began her writing career while working as a waitress in 1987. Her debut work, Kitchen had over 60 printings in Japan alone. Two film adaptations were produced from the book. Her works include twelve novels and seven collections of essays, all of which have sold over six million copies worldwide. She writes about love and friendship, home and family, and the influence of loss on the human spirit. Below we include some words of wisdom by Banana Yoshimoto.
Martial (c. 38 – c. 104 AD), known as Marcus Valerius Martialis, was a Roman poet from Hispania best known for his twelve books of Epigrams, published in Rome betwee AD 86 and 103. In these short, witty poems, he satirizes city life, the scandalous activities of his acquaintances, and romanticizes his youth. Considered the creator of the modern epigram, Martial's work provides a vivid portrayal of Roman society, blending humor, criticism, and insight into human nature.
Franz Kafka (July 3rd, 1883 – June 3rd, 1924) was a Jewish Czech writer and novelist born in Prague. He is widely regarded as a major figure of 20th-century literature. His best-known works include the novella The Metamorphosis (1915) and the novels The Trial (1924) and The Castle (1926). He trained as a lawyer but he felt that his true vocation was writing. Only a minority of his works were published and received little attention during his life. He died relatively unknown in 1924 of tuberculosis, aged 40.
Muhammad Ali was born Cassius Marcellus Clay Jr. (January 17, 1942 – June 3, 2016). He is known as the greatest heavyweight boxer of all time. After Ali refused to be drafted into the military in 1967, he was found guilty of draft evasion and stripped of his boxing titles. His conviction was overtu ed in 1971 by the Supreme Court. Besides boxing, Ali was an actor, author, and released two spoken word albums that received Grammy Award nominations. Below we list some words of wisdom by Muhammad Ali. "You don’t lose if you get knocked down; you lose if you stay down."
Sigmund Freud (May 6, 1856 – September 23, 1939) was an Austrian neurologist and the founder of psychoanalysis, a clinical method for treating psychopathology through dialogue between patient and psychoanalyst. His seminal works, including The Interpretation of Dreams, Civilization and Its Discontents, and Beyond the Pleasure Principle, revolutionized the understanding of the human mind, introducing concepts like the unconscious, the Oedipus complex, and defense mechanisms. Freud’s theories on sexuality, dreams, and the psyche profoundly influenced psychology, literature, and culture.
Soren Kierkegaard (May 5, 1813 – November 11, 1855) was a Danish philosopher, theologian, and writer, widely regarded as the father of existentialism. His works, including Fear and Trembling, Either/Or, The Sickness Unto Death, and Works of Love, explore themes of individuality, faith, despair, and the human condition. Writing often under pseudonyms, Kierkegaard challenged conventional thinking, emphasizing personal choice and the leap of faith in the face of life’s uncertainties. His profound insights continue to influence philosophy, theology, and literature.
Soren Kierkegaard (May 5, 1813 – November 11, 1855) was a Danish philosopher, theologian, and writer, widely regarded as the father of existentialism. His works, including Fear and Trembling, Either/Or, The Sickness Unto Death, and Works of Love, explore themes of individuality, faith, despair, and the human condition. Writing often under pseudonyms, Kierkegaard challenged conventional thinking, emphasizing personal choice and the leap of faith in the face of life’s uncertainties. His profound insights continue to influence philosophy, theology, and literature.
Abraham Stoker (November 8th,1847 – April 20th, 1912), known by his pen name Bram Stoker was the Irish author of Dracula, published in 1897. He became regarded by many as the father of vampire fiction. Stoker wrote twelve mystery and horror novels. Dracula was one of the best-selling works of vampire fiction since the early 20th century and Count Dracula is one of the well-known fictional figures of the Victorian era. There have been more than 700 adaptations of the character.
Italo Calvino (October 15, 1923 – September 19, 1985) was an Italian novelist, short-story writer, and essayist whose imaginative and intellectually playful works reshaped modern literature. His masterpieces include Invisible Cities, If on a winter’s night a traveler, The Baron in the Trees, and Cosmicomics. Calvino blended fantasy, philosophy, and linguistic precision to explore the nature of storytelling, memory, and human experience. A master of fable and metafiction, he remains one of the most beloved and influential voices of 20th-century literature.
Italo Calvino (October 15, 1923 – September 19, 1985) was an Italian novelist, short-story writer, and essayist whose imaginative and intellectually playful works reshaped modern literature. His masterpieces include Invisible Cities, If on a winter’s night a traveler, The Baron in the Trees, and Cosmicomics. Calvino blended fantasy, philosophy, and linguistic precision to explore the nature of storytelling, memory, and human experience. A master of fable and metafiction, he remains one of the most beloved and influential voices of 20th-century literature.
Salvador Dalí (May 11, 1904 – January 23, 1989) was a Spanish surrealist artist renowned for his technical brilliance, flamboyant personality, and dreamlike, often shocking imagery. His most famous works include The Persistence of Memory, Christ of Saint John of the Cross, and The Temptation of Saint Anthony. A master painter, sculptor, filmmaker, and writer, Dalí turned his entire life into a work of art, blending genius with provocation and forever expanding the boundaries of imagination.
Ernest Hemingway (July 21st, 1899 – July 2nd, 1961) was an American writer and jou alist. He wrote seven novels, six short-story collections and two non-fiction books, some of which are classics. He was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1954 for his novel The Old Man and the Sea. The Sun Also Rises, his first novel, was published in 1926. His experiences during the war led to A Farewell to Arms, his 1929 novel. Below we list some words of wisdom from Ernest Hemingway. "Develop a built-in bullshit detector."
According to the spiritual science of Akram Vignan, the meaning of âselflessâ is to live oneâs life for the sole purpose of serving others, by whatever means one can and according to oneâs skill set and ability; and to do so without expecting anything whatsoever in return. Param Pujya Dadashri, the founder of Akram Vignan, makes us understand how every living beingâs life should be, through an illustration of the tree: âDo any of the fruit trees eat their own frui
Francis Scott Key Fitzgerald (September 24th, 1896 – December 21st, 1940), known as F. Scott Fitzgerald or Scott Fitzgerald, was an American novelist. He is most known for his novels about the excess of the Jazz Age. When Fitzgerald died, he and the critics who knew his work thought it was a failure. His New York Times obituary deemed his work forever tied to an era "when gin was the national drink and sex the national obsession".
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Vincent van Gogh (March 30, 1853 – July 29, 1890) was a Dutch Post-Impressionist painter who became one of the most influential figures in Western art. Though he produced over 2,000 artworks, including iconic pieces like The Starry Night, Sunflowers, and Irises, he achieved little recognition during his lifetime. His letters, especially those to his brother Theo, reveal profound reflections on art, life, nature, and the human soul. Van Gogh’s passionate and innovative use of color and brushwork transformed painting, leaving a lasting legacy.
Truman Capote (September 30th, 1924 – August 25th, 1984) was an American novelist, screenwriter, playwright, and actor. Several of his novels and plays are literary classics. He was planning to become a writer at eight years old and began his professional career writing short stories. The critical success of "Miriam" in 1945 attracted the attention of Random House publisher. He achieved widespread acclaim with Breakfast at Tiffany's and the true crime novel In Cold Blood (1966). Capote spent six years writing the latter. Below we list some words of wisdom by Truman Capote.
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