19 Deep Quotes That Will Really Make You Think

One of the more popular posts we have done in our short existence here at Prime Your Pump was one a couple months ago on some of my favorite quotes about life.  I just love quotes – I love how they inspire me, and I love how they make me think differently.  Today we are going to look at some different types of quotes – deep quotes – that will hopefully really make you think.

I am going to present 19 deep quotes, quickly dissect them and discuss what they mean to me, and then suggest how to make them actionable.

One of the cool things about life, in my opinion, is that we all view and interpret things differently – so please feel free to share your interpretations of these deep quotes, if they differ from mine, in the comments below!

Here we go with 19 deep quotes that will make you think (or so I hope!):

(1)  “Choose a career you love, and you never work a day in your life.” – Confucius

We only have so many days on this great planet. Seeing as how many of them are spent working, it is important to do something you love.

Making it Actionable: If you are unable to do something you love due to whatever constraints you face, figure out how to start moving in that direction. Or, try to make an art form out of what you do and constantly improve it. You may very well feel pleasure in doing and improving a shitty job.

(2)  “The worst loneliness is to not be comfortable with yourself” – Mark Twain

I believe Twain is saying that it is bad enough being lonely, but it is even worse if you don’t like yourself.

Making it Actionable:  If you don’t enjoy being by yourself, figure out what you can do to enjoy being by yourself. We all spend time alone, might as well enjoy it.

(3)  “When anger rises, think of the consequences.” – Confucius

Many times, we do things when we are angry that we will regret later.

Making it Actionable:  Before you do something in a state of anger, stop and think of the consequences. Which reminds me of some great advice I received from a mentor. Instead of immediately responding to an email you are angry about, wait until the next day. Most times you will think about it differently and respond differently.

(4)  “Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened.” – Dr. Seuss

Sometimes things end that we wish would continue – relationships, jobs, vacations – whatever. Instead of being sad they are over, instead be grateful that they happened, and be grateful that you got to experience them.

Making it Actionable:  Reflect on things that have ended or are ending by thinking about what you have learned from them and how they have made you a better person.

(5)  “You must do the things you think you cannot do.” – Eleanor Roosevelt

This one really resonated with me, particularly after doing research and writing a recent post on stepping out of your comfort zone. The only way we can grow is to do things we haven’t done or don’t think we can do – otherwise, we are just repeating the past.

Making it Actionable: As Eleanor advises – do something that scares you every day!

(6)  “When I hear somebody sigh, ‘life is hard’, I am always tempted to ask, ‘compared to what?’” – Sydney J. Harris

This one makes me laugh, I suppose because it is true. I think the point is, sure there are aspects of life that are challenging but to project those individual challenges to life as a whole doesn’t make sense. Just because some aspects of life are hard doesn’t mean life, in general, is hard. This assumes that you are not scared where your next meal is coming from, or if you can pay the rent.

 Making it Actionable:  Understand that whatever problem you have is (usually) solvable and not indicative of life as a whole. Nothing is ever as bad or good as it seems; except on certain, hopefully rare, occasions.

(7)  “We are what we think. All that we are arises with our thoughts. With our thoughts, we make the world.” – Buddha

Everything in our lives originates with our thoughts – our feelings, our actions, our emotions, our reactions to things that happen. I think Buddha is saying that we can control our lives by engaging in right thinking.

Making it Actionable:  Be aware that you can control many aspects of your life with just your thoughts.  So, if you are feeling shitty it is because you are thinking shitty thoughts, to feel better you need to change your thoughts.

(8)  ”If you don’t think every day is a good day, just try missing one.” – Robert Cavett

Whoa! There are many people who are no longer around who wish they were in our position and would trade places with us in a heartbeat.

Making it Actionable:  Enjoy and be grateful for every day.

(9)  ”The smallest act of kindness is worth more than the grandest intention. ” – Oscar Wilde

Similar to ‘actions speak louder than words’ – don’t just talk about what you are going to do, go out and do it.

Making it Actionable:  Take action – no matter how small or seemingly insignificant.

(10)  ”What you do today can improve all your tomorrow’s.” – Ralph Marston

What you are today, and this moment is a result of everything you have done leading up to today. Therefore, actions that you take today will impact the days of your life to come.

Making it Actionable:  Don’t wait, make stuff happen today to improve your future.

(11)  ”If you tell the truth it becomes a part of your past. If you lie, it becomes a part of your future. ” – John Spence

By lying, you may need to address the lie in the future – in terms of remembering what you lied about, which not only is wrong, it complicates your life.

Making it Actionable:  Tell the truth.

(12)  “Don’t say you don’t have enough time. You have exactly the same number of hours per day that were given to Helen Keller, Pasteur, Michelangelo, Mother Teresa, Leonardo da Vinci, Thomas Jefferson, and Albert Einstein.” – H. Jackson Brown Jr.

People who have accomplished incredible things and left a great legacy had the same amount of time as we do. Therefore, not having enough time should never be used as an excuse.

Making it Actionable:  Make the best use of your time as possible. Stop doing things that are unproductive and not getting you closer to your goals.

(13)  ”Be happy for this moment. This moment is your life.” – Omar Khayyam

Nothing is guaranteed, and life is just a bunch of fleeting moments. Focus on this moment.

Making it Actionable:  It is cliché, but just try to enjoy all of life’s fleeting moments – no matter how seemingly big or small. Live in the moment, without worry of the past or the future. Enjoy your now.

(14)  ”You have to learn the rules of the game. And then you have to play better than anyone else.” –  – Albert Einstein

Einstein is saying that many endeavors in life can be compared to a game, and if you want to be successful in any game you first need to know the rules.

Making it Actionable:  Understand what the rules are for whatever you are undertaking in life, it will allow you to come up with a better plan that you can then execute on.

(15)  ”The art of being wise is the art of knowing what to overlook.” -William James

This quote is similar to ‘picking your battles’. We can’t do everything, respond to everything or get involved in everything. Sometimes the best things we do are the things we don’t do, as they save us time, energy, and aggravation.

Making it Actionable:  Be strategic in terms of what you focus on or get involved in.

(16)  ”Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment.” – Buddha

Similar to #13 – the past is over and there is nothing we can do about it. The future is not guaranteed, so there is no point in worrying about it. All we truly have is this current moment.

Making it Actionable:  Focus on the here and now.

(17)  ”You’ve got to think about big things while you’re doing small things, so that all the small things go in the right direction.” – Alvin Toffler

Don’t get too wrapped up in the details of life without stepping back to see the big picture and to make sure you are headed in the right direction.

Making it Actionable:  Make time to pause and see the big picture. This way you will ensure you are doing the right things to ensure you are going in the right direction.

(18)  ”Silence is golden when you can’t think of a good answer.” -Muhammad Ali

You don’t always have to say something. Saying nothing is better than saying something stupid.

Making it Actionable:  If you can’t think of anything to say, be ok with saying nothing.

(19)  “Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well-preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming “Wow! What a Ride!” – Hunter S. Thompson

One of my favorite quotes ever and a great one to end on!  Live life to the fullest!!!

Making it Actionable:  Experience as much as you can in life and love every moment of it!

That’s it for my 19 deep quotes, they made me think and I hope they made you think too!

What do you think of them? Do you have any interpretations that differ from mine? If so, I would love to hear them!

Until next time, keep reading those deep quotes and having those deep thoughts and as always…PYMFP!
–Rick

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