Do You Like Reading Motivating Quotations?
By derek_a
@derek_a (10874)
February 18, 2009 8:49am CST
I have a large book of quotations at home and often open it to a random page. Sometimes what I read doesn't mean anything to me, but then at other times, something really seems to jump out at me. Today I decided to open the book and see what came up and it was a saying by Ralph Waldo Emerson...
"Nothing great was ever achieved with enthusiasm"
As I read that simple sentence, it seemed so true. If I feel enthusiastic about anything, I begin to feel like, really alive. And through focusing my mind, I can create a feeling of enthusiasm..
Would anyone on myLot like to share their feelings about this saying, or about any other saying that they particularly like?
8 people like this
30 responses
@ESKARENA1 (18261)
•
28 Mar 09
A teacher i once knew had a line which went, when i want your opinion I will give it to you
blessed be
2 people like this
@derek_a (10874)
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28 Mar 09
I like that one "Never say die till I die". And it's good to read all the motivational and positive books you can. It gets the mind very positive and optimistic which is good for health, happiness and probably wealth too. When motivational books are read, the mind is being trained to be motivated.
As a therapist, I feel strongly that we need to be careful what we read, because the mind will link into bad news as well as good news. Thanks for posting - 
- Derek
- Derek2 people like this
@sanuanu (11235)
• India
2 Apr 09
I do read them and feel that I got motivated but with time all the motivation wipes out in Air.
I started wathcing English movies because in every second movie, a lesson for life will be there but there is no change in my self confidence.
Without working hard, you can't get anything and these quotations are nothing but to give you faith that if people in past has done things in their life then we can also do that.
1 person likes this
@lordwarwizard (35747)
• Singapore
11 Jan 10
That's why you have to keep reading them hahaha. 
1 person likes this
@derek_a (10874)
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3 Apr 09
Thank you for posting. I would say that self-confidence comes from experience of success and yes, it is right that quotations are there to give you faith that you could do positive things with your life too. Some of them, can go a little deep and inspire us to take action. - Derek
- Derek1 person likes this
@balasri (26537)
• India
5 Jun 09
I always like to read quotations.The quotable quotes in Readers Digest has been my favorite since my childhood.Tis is one of the quotation I am fascinated with.
'Life is 10% of what happens to me and 90% of how I react to it'.
-John Maxwell
How true.
1 person likes this
@derek_a (10874)
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5 Jun 09
Thank you for posting. Yes, I like quotations about life. That is an interesting quotation because it could be turned the other way around, because we cannot react to something that doesn't happen to us - so maybe 90% of what happens is life and 10% is how I react to it? We are not always reacting, but sometimes just sitting and watching what it going on.. - Derek
- Derek
@kalav56 (11464)
• India
9 Feb 10
Derek ! You have posted this quotation "Nothing great was ever achieved with enthusiasm." Is it "with" or "without"?
If it is "without" I agree because anything needs enthusiasm .If it is "with" does this have some hidden meaning in reverse?What is it? SHould we interpret it in any other manner??
1 person likes this
@margaux08 (1094)
• Philippines
2 Mar 09
Hi Dr. Derek,
As I put it, enthusiasm comes with passion. One can achieve something even without enthusiasm. But one can achieve a GREAT "something" with enthusiasm. If a person is passionate towards what he is doing, then not only will he achieve his dreams but done so passionately, then he might get more than he ask for.
This morning, I received a text message from a friend saying: "Motion creates emotion." Simply put, I started the day with happy thoughts thinking that if I more like I'm happy, I'll begin to think happy thoughts. And it will be a chain of reaction that will lead to better results.
1 person likes this
@margaux08 (1094)
• Philippines
3 Mar 09
Hi Dr. Derek,
To perk up my morning, my friend let me close my eyes and point to her "Quotation Chart" what quote will be applied to me. I have pointed "Better to light a candle than to curse the darkness." The quote is really God-sent to me today since when I went to the office this morning, there has been major changes and my credibility as an employee may be put on test. I read the quote again and whispered a prayer. Instead of ranting, I should go find a solution, no matter how big the problem is, or at least options to take care of the problems.
Motivating quotations such as this really helps to start the day right.
1 person likes this
@bunnybon7 (50973)
• Holiday, Florida
7 Feb 10
did you mean to say without enthusiasm?
anyway, yes i like these quotes and have several books of them. i had one on here (my profile page) once from Dantes inferno, says "the mind can make heaven into hell, or hell into heaven" meaning our mind can control a lot of our feelings about things and where we are.
anyway, yes i like these quotes and have several books of them. i had one on here (my profile page) once from Dantes inferno, says "the mind can make heaven into hell, or hell into heaven" meaning our mind can control a lot of our feelings about things and where we are.1 person likes this
@derek_a (10874)
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7 Feb 10
Yes, you are right! I did mean to write "without" enthusiasm. It only goes to prove that people tend to read what makes sense because you are the first one to point out my typing error! Wow! I didn't even notice it myself and I wrote it! The brain is so selective at times. It's a shame we can't edit our posts here on myLot after they are submitted.
Yes, that is a good quote about the mind. As a Zen practitioner, it is my objective to transcend the mind into what Zen masters call, "no-mind". Put simply, it is a state of conscoiusness, that doesn't judge. _Derek
_Derek@bunnybon7 (50973)
• Holiday, Florida
7 Feb 10
that is very cool. is zen like to do with Budda? i know im a terrible speller any more. i very much try keeping my mind going as im in terrible fear of alzhiemers
at least you know i was one that totally read your words some people answer discussions and i dont think they have read my words at all
its like they are talking a whole different subject. i once spelled Christmas wrong in my title and didnt notice till it was posted. talk about embarassing.!! great discussion you have here.
at least you know i was one that totally read your words some people answer discussions and i dont think they have read my words at allits like they are talking a whole different subject. i once spelled Christmas wrong in my title and didnt notice till it was posted. talk about embarassing.!! great discussion you have here.
@KrauseHome (36448)
• United States
25 Nov 11
This is interesting quotation and one that really does Stop and make you think. But it is so true with enthusiasm it often will continue to motivate you to make things happen, and keep you wanting to work to get there. If you choose to be discouraged than you never get anywhere and life will always seem to be not worth while for sure. Thanks for sharing this one.
1 person likes this
@williamjisir (22819)
• China
20 Sep 12
I love reading motivating quotations because they are inspiring to us and they sound very reasonable to me. Like "nothing in the world is difficult if you put your heart into it." I think that it is quite true. There are a lot of similar ones that are so inspiring.
1 person likes this
@bombshell (11256)
• Germany
23 Feb 09
when i was a bit young,i had also some collection of quotes but not as much as you have. i like this" i´m just a dreamer who never gives up"
1 person likes this
@srjac0902 (1169)
• Italy
5 Dec 11
If you read the lives of great men often you will notice that they were greatly influenced by the quotations from great men. When some quotations gain popularity, there is something special in it. Great men exist even today and their quotation assumes more influence. Quotations help to understand the content better
1 person likes this
@ivanmarginal (675)
• Indonesia
23 Dec 10
Sometimes yes. I love to read that. Though till now I can hardly remember what quotation I've read. It impresses and motivates me. JFK is in this boat. He is intelligent. I love to read his quotation. Also from many other famous people. I think Reader Digest has them.
1 person likes this
@derek_a (10874)
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15 Aug 12
Thank you Shavkat.. That is so true.. As a Zen practitioner I always do my best to follow the precept of non-judgement. If we can accept all those we meet without judging we can find our true Self, for when we judge others we are judging and therefore rejecting, who we really are.. _Derek
_Derek
@lordwarwizard (35747)
• Singapore
11 Jan 10
Hi Derek,
Yea, I love those motivational quotations. In fact, I subscribe to two of them via emails.
One is Insight of the Day from Bob Proctor, and the other is from TUT. Both are great from time to time though for the former, I feel it has gotten a bit commercialized (I think this guy has lost his path) and some of his quotes get repeated (but sure if he realizes it).
Anyway, I welcome such daily nuggets of inspiration.
@JenInTN (27514)
• United States
10 Oct 10
I do like reading quotes but my daughter LOVES to read them. When we go to the library..she heads to the row that has the quote books. I think it is exciting for her to read the quotes and relate them to her life or at least ponder on the meanings. I think that enthusiasm is just a part of a bigger need. You have to also add persistance and hard work. With enthusiasm alone...no..nothing can be accomplished.
1 person likes this
@derek_a (10874)
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29 Sep 10
Thank you for posting. Yes, reading can be a great way of learning things and motivating our selves to get things done in life. I have read books since before I started school. My elder sisters taught me to read, and I find them very informative and have taught me a lot of things that I apply to my everday life. _Derek
_Derek @Beaufly (991)
• United States
20 Dec 10
I love quotations. I do not have a current book but they are truly everywhere especially on-line. I particularly like right now...."My life is a constant stream of miracles." How awe-ispiring is that!!!! I try to replay that one often in my head....
1 person likes this
@brean_rhea (176)
• Philippines
29 Sep 10
i love reading motivating quotations....it somewhat encourage me to go on despite of the hardships i encountered.... sometimes i do read quotes that fits in my feelings....
1 person likes this
