Every time I create something, whether an idea or a work of art, initially, its supposed completion seems absolutely perfect to me. However the more I think about it, stare it down, the more it marinates in my soul over the hours, days, and weeks, the more flaws I start to find in it; and finally, the more I'm pressed to continue enhancing it. It essentially turns out that whatever thing a flawed and imperfect, human eye once thought was amazing begins to appear quite wretched. This is why, eternally, God cannot be impressed by mere talents or by mortal achievements. To perfect eyes, I imagine that great is not really that great; rather, humility is ultimately a human being's true greatness.
achievement artist artistic contemplation creative creative-process creativity different-perspective drawing enhancement eternal eyes flawed flaws focus god great greatness human human-being humble humility ideas illusion imagine immortal imperfect impression improvement lyrics marinate marinating masterpiece mortal music painting perfect perfectionist perspective philosophy poetry pride reconsideration righteousness sculpting self-righteousness skill songwriting stare staring talent theology theory think tso-art work wretch writing
To be a philosopher, just reverse everything you have ever been told...and have a sense of humor doing it.
authority challenging challenging-authority comedian comedic comedy deeper-thought funny-but-true humor leadership philosopher philosophy reconsideration rethinking reverse sense-of-humor taught teaching thinking thought tso-funny tso-management
Two types of choices seem to me to have been crucial in tipping the outcomes [of the various societies' histories] towards success or failure: long-term planning and willingness to reconsider core values. On reflection we can also recognize the crucial role of these same two choices for the outcomes of our individual lives.
failure history planning reconsideration society success values
Sometimes it takes a lowly, title-less man to humble the world. Kings, rulers, CEOs, judges, doctors, pastors, they are already expected to be greater and wiser.
appearances being-heard ceo class doctor greatness hard-work humble humility inspirational judge judgment judgmental king lower-class lowlife lowly middle-class motivational pastor power prejudgment reconsideration rethinking ruler shock shocking society surpassing surprises surprising tso-life underdog unexpected upper-class voice voice-of-the-nations wisdom world
Learning isn't acquiring knowledge so much as it is trimming information that has already been acquired.
acquiring certainty clutter confusion creativity experiences growth imagination information information-overload knowledge learning overload personal personal-experience personal-growth questioning reconsideration self-taught tso-life uncertainty understanding wisdom
