Stop Rationalizing and Make Hard Decisions: Learning from Dr. King 154 Comments
Greetings from London.
I thought I’d share the below quote, which was sent to me (Thanks, Thao!) when I was considering whether or not to put up the controversial FISA post. I knew beforehand that it would lose me some readers.
The few words below cut through hours of meaningless deliberation and made the decision simple…
There are a lot of hard choices and big decisions in life. Dealing with most of them requires facing daunting — but transient — discomfort.
I encourage you to read the following, which helped me to eliminate the rationalization we so often use to avoid doing what is important.
“I say to you, this morning, that if you have never found something so dear and precious to you that you will die for it, then you aren’t fit to live.
You may be 38 years old, as I happen to be, and one day, some great opportunity stands before you and calls upon you to stand for some great principle, some great issue, some great cause. And you refuse to do it because you are afraid.
You refuse to do it because you want to live longer. You’re afraid that you will lose your job, or you are afraid that you will be criticized or that you will lose your popularity, or you’re afraid that somebody will stab or shoot or bomb your house. So you refuse to take a stand.
Well, you may go on and live until you are ninety, but you are just as dead at 38 as you would be at ninety.
And the cessation of breathing in your life is but the belated announcement of an earlier death of the spirit.
You died when you refused to stand up for right.
You died when you refused to stand up for truth.
You died when you refused to stand up for justice.”
-Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
From the sermon “But, If Not” delivered at Ebenezer Baptist Church on November 5, 1967.
Posted on September 4th, 2008
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154 Responses to “Stop Rationalizing and Make Hard Decisions: Learning from Dr. King”
September 4th, 2008
7:53 am
Great post! There is so much we can learn from historical figures like Dr. King.
September 4th, 2008
8:00 am
Great quote.
September 4th, 2008
8:06 am
I’ve never read that before and I’m not sure if it’s because it’s more obscure than his “I Have a Dream” speech, or if we just never got around to it in high school or college.
Either way, I’m glad you shared it.
My friend Dan John has a saying about making touch decisions:
“If you’re given a plate of frogs to eat, eat the biggest, ugliest one first. The rest will go down easy after that.”
Not quite as eloquent as Dr. King, but good advice either way!
-Nate
September 4th, 2008
8:08 am
Great post Tim! I think it’s a reminder to all of us to live now, stand up for what we believe in and be passionate about something. Thanks for sharing!
September 4th, 2008
8:30 am
Oh man, that’s good. I really appreciate your blog and your suggestions on how to get more out of life. Thank you Tim.
September 4th, 2008
8:31 am
Tim – Bravo! Thanks for a great post on a great subject. This post today actually spurred me to make a decision I have been putting of for 2 days – very timely sir, thanks again!
September 4th, 2008
8:33 am
Nice post, Tim. I’m glad you followed your heart.
September 4th, 2008
8:33 am
Hey Tim,
It’s clear to me why we still quote Dr. King from so many years ago. Real passion and conviction withstands the tests of time. I’m enjoying how this blog is becoming so inclusive of critical areas of my life. Without passion where are we? Thanks for challenging me to think and become more.
Rob
Jet Set Life
September 4th, 2008
8:40 am
Or in short: morals and beliefs are worth nothing unless you have the balls to stand up for them.
September 4th, 2008
8:42 am
I’ve been in Ebenezer.. With my fellow Georgia Voices That Count trainees.. Back in 2004.. Took my self-advocacy from anonymouse to a very identifiable “me” the very next Net interaction after..
There’s no describing the “how-to” on this one.. For me, it was.. looking Death straight in the eye..
For others, it will be and has been extreme loss of that, whatever that is, which they value most.. It’s not always quite to the extreme mine was, but you can tell it, you can feel it when you meet someone else who is “There”..
Things in our collective Worlds are spiraling out of control.. Desperately out of control.. Each moment just that much faster..
Just a few hours ago, stumbled upon Yoani Sanchez’s endeavor for the first time.. For some seeking inspiration from another in action this moment, not a bad place to start..
Oh, and FISA..? Check this out.. On the Fourth of July, I responded to a thread, a very, very, *very* long thread that revolved solely around FISA..
Have never before on the Net been censored..
That day, this Fourth of July just past, I was..
These Fingertips found that particular wholly undeserved action by unknown others, *especially* under those particular circumstances, to be..
Inspiration…….
Ad infinitum and beyond.
Cyber hugs from North Georgia, USA.. :wink:
September 4th, 2008
8:50 am
Spanish Communist leader Dolores Ibarruri “Pasionaria” put it more succintly:
“Better to die on your feet than to live on your knees”
September 4th, 2008
8:52 am
This is one of the values we taught our children. Now in our 60’s we never regretted our advice and example to our children and grand children to “stand for something greater than yourselves”. We are blessed that our children and their children are carrying forward these ideals. Values give life meaning.
September 4th, 2008
8:53 am
George Carlin said it well (paraphrased) – live a little, have some danger and excitement in your life, what are you going to do for the rest of your life…read people magazine and eat at wendy’s?
September 4th, 2008
8:56 am
This day is again a time when we are called upon to stand… just like the Founder’s of this great country stood – knowing full well their revolution, if a failure, would require their very lives.
In 1777 John Adams, our 2nd President wrote to his wife Abigail, “posterity, you will never know how much it cost us to preserve your freedom. I hope that you will make a good use of it…”
Thank you Tim for having the courage to speak up. Not only did I listen but I called all my congressmen! I appreciate all the “eyes and ears” out there alerting me to every erosion of Liberty!
September 4th, 2008
9:00 am
Hi Tim,
Are you still trying to find a good lunch under $20 in London? I feel sure I can help you achieve this. It may need you to define what you count as lunch – 3 courses with wine might be difficult.
Best regards,
Nicola
September 4th, 2008
9:09 am
Agreed 100%, Tim. Your FISA post actually caused you to grow in stature in my eyes, and I was thrilled you used your soapbox to let us know what is going on.
Please don’t hesitate to do it again.
September 4th, 2008
9:10 am
Great post, words we all should try to live by. If you don’t have something truly useful to do you might as well not get out of bed! If more people felt that way we could turn the collective consciousness in the world.
Thank you!!
September 4th, 2008
9:11 am
[...] Thanks, Tim. [...]
September 4th, 2008
9:14 am
Great post Tim,
I have never heard that before, Powerful stuff.
When I train fitness clients, I make them draw up a committment sheet. On that sheet I have them write down 3 emotional reasons why it’s important to improve their fitness and Health. They read them out loud every day. I get everyone to realize that improving their health is always a life or death situation.
For some clients it is a physical (blood pressure, diabetes) and for others it is a mental or emotional life or death situation. Because if someone is feeling old and tired at 40 years old, if they continue on with their lifestyle, they feel like their better days are behind them.
That is an emotional death. And it does not have to be that way.
Anyhow, thanks for the great reminder of an important message!
September 4th, 2008
9:27 am
Tim – People may not agree with your political viewpoint but they should respect your right to your opinion. I hate it when someone refuses to have an open discussion because you don’t believe as they do. In fact, it is often the people who proclaim they are free thinkers that are the most closed minded!
Keep up the good work!
September 4th, 2008
9:29 am
Great post Tim. And Timely too..
I’ve been mulling over a big decision (for me) for a few days; I have the opportunity to train under one of the world’s top sword martial artists in a unique program. It is a demanding program that will require a lot of time over several years, but it also fits into my lifestyle, my goal to become internationally ranked, study under a “best” teacher, etc. But it is an entirely separate discipline than I’ve been studying for quite a few years. I think fear (of failure or at least not completing it) is holding me back. Reading the quote definitely was a “Yes” vote.
Thank you Tim,
and.. “Cheers” since you’re across the pond.
-RacerX
September 4th, 2008
9:58 am
Very inspiring! I never figured you, Tim, as one to back down from a decision due to fear of being unpopular or criticized!
September 4th, 2008
10:07 am
“Es mejor morir de pie que vivir de rodillas. (Translation: It is better to die standing on one’s feet, than to live on your knees.)” and “I wish to die a slave to principles, not to men.”
Emiliano Zapata Salazar (August 8, 1879–April 10, 1919)
September 4th, 2008
10:07 am
Amazing Speech by Dr.King Jr.
It reminds of Swami Vivekananda, who said:
‘ Be a hero. Always say, “I have no fear.”
Tell this to everyone — “Have no fear.” ‘
and…
‘ The whole secret of existence is to have no fear. Never fear what
will become of you, depend on no one.Only the moment you reject all
help are you free. ‘
September 4th, 2008
10:14 am
Great post Tim, even more so than usual (and that’s saying something).
One complaint (it’s one of my pet peeves) — MLK always preferred the term “Rev. King” to “Dr. King,” and saw himself primarily as a man of God and pastor, not as an academic.
September 4th, 2008
10:23 am
Tim,
Thanks for the inspirational post – I’ve never heard/read that speech before and boy did it hit home! Giving your life a purpose really does bring out the best in you.
As an aside – I see on Twitter that you’re heading to Wales tomorrow(?) Are you planning on having a meet up for us “4HWW followers” currently located in London if/when you come back? I arrived in London just after your last meet up so I hope you have another one here soon!
Gemma
September 4th, 2008
10:24 am
You know, inertia I think feeds into our fears as much as anything. Taking a stand is easy – maintaining that stand is the hard part. It’s one thing to participate in a march, or volunteer for something you find meaningful. The hard part is taking a stand against injustice in everyday things.
I can’t find the link unfortunately, but Boing Boing ran an article about a Muslim woman who set up an experiment to see how many people would react to someone being racially discriminated against in a store. Sadly, only a handful of people confronted the “shopkeeper.” Most just bought what they needed and left.
How many of us make bold statements about standing up for injustice but then don’t take the everyday steps to accomplish it?
September 4th, 2008
10:43 am
Forgive me if this is old news. Yesterday I read an interview with Nassim Taleb(Black Swan) in which he referenced, favorably, 4 Hour Work Week. That’s a powerful endorsement.
September 4th, 2008
10:44 am
This excellent quotation really hits home. Most of my life has been governed by those “what ifs” and it’s only been in the past couple of years that I’ve been willing to take risks. I’m still not entirely ready to give up my job (tenure is a good thing in this type of economy), but I’ve been working on increasing my discomfort level and taking risks. Your book and this blog help me a lot!
September 4th, 2008
10:47 am
Brilliant stuff, very appropriate in this 40th anniversary of the year of Dr King’s death.
I wonder, Tim, why this message isn’t getting to our young people. Then I look at our education system.
We tell kids to experiment and have fun with learning, then rank them as ‘passes’ or ‘failures’ based on some arbitrary scale.
We encourage them to speak their minds, then tell them to shut up in class (or, worse, around the dinner table).
We exhort them to be active while we sit in front of the TV or computer for five hours a night.
We urge them to use their creativity and then criticize them when they colour outside the lines.
We try to motivate our young people to be the best they can be, then tell them that the only true way to success is through one particular path.
We tell them to write their own rules (within the natural boundaries of respect and comon sense) and then slam them when their rules don’t correspond with our own.
We promise them that the world is full of opportunity and abundance and then tell them, “That’s the way the real world works” when they’re faced with a crushing disappointment.
Can we do better?
Damn, I hope so.
September 4th, 2008
10:55 am
I work up this morning wanting to fly solo and start living my dream. I have no expertise in my dream field and I have a mortgage, credit card debt and family that depends on my income. I’ve been reading or listing to The Four Hour Work Week and its changing me. My rational self is holding me back. Someone once told me that you can go broker before 30 and still recover. I have 3 more hours of listening to do, so we shall see if I ever make my touch decision.
September 4th, 2008
10:58 am
Tim, this is the MLK quote I have posted on my wall which helps me with those decisions:
“An individual has not started living until he can rise above the narrow confines of his individualistic concerns to the broader concerns of all humanity.”
What a brilliant, powerful, wise person he was.
- Scott James
Fair Trade Sports
Eco-Certified Fair Trade soccer balls and more!
September 4th, 2008
11:04 am
Damn… Dr. King reminds us how powerful and passionate a speech can be…
How can you not be inspired to look fear in the face… and do it anyway! after reading that quote?
by the way.. just ordered your audio book after months of delaying… thought i knew everything you were teaching… but since reading your blog realized I like your style and maybe you’ll be able to hit on at least one concept that I’ll be able to use to help take me to the next level.
thanks… im looking forward to the book!
September 4th, 2008
11:07 am
Tim,
We met when you were in London earlier in the year when you shared something similar at the end of the evening in Trafalgar Square (great evening btw)
Not sure if you remember the conversation (it was right at the end after you’d enjoyed a couple of bottles of vino!), but I asked you how you decide what to write in terms of blogs, books etc
You said something – which at the time seemed a litte ‘odd’ – but i have since understood clearly
You shut your eyes, held your stomach and said:
“Whatever you really FEEL, thats the thing you must write, the thing you must do. What you really FEEL”
To be honest, I thought it was the wine talking as I didnt really understand the point
But I’ve since realised that you were spot on – both with the writing and decisons
I write stuff that just comes to me out of no where – and when i do, i’ll suddenly hear from someone who says it was just what they needed learn or hear
I’ll avoid decisons on opportunities that seem scary or uncoventional – yet seems ‘right’. But then the opportunity will show up in ‘another set of clothes’ coaxing me to make the decision and step in the idea or cause as per Dr King’s quote above
So thank you for the sage advice!
Btw, Are you planning another evening in a pub on London soon?
;-)
September 4th, 2008
11:18 am
Don Cheadle’s character quotes this same MLK line — though somewhat ironically — in “Traitor,” now in theaters.
September 4th, 2008
11:22 am
Excellent post. I’ve been toying with the idea of how too much logic can affect our decisions sometimes. Good to see a fellow T-Nationer here Nate. Dan John is always a good read, and an inspiring one.
September 4th, 2008
11:27 am
If one is afraid to Live, one just exists. A big Truth, i’ve been following your blog for some time and i have your book, but it’s the first time i comment, this post has a lot to do with my Life philosophy, with my way of being. I Loved it
September 4th, 2008
11:32 am
Dr. King words live in my soul. I appreciate this brilliant post so much. Take care of yourself, Tim.
September 4th, 2008
11:33 am
I totally agree with Dr. King’s speech. The only problem I see is that people have trouble deciding what is right.
September 4th, 2008
11:41 am
Interesting post. However, what is there today in the U.S. that is worth risking a career and family over? I doubt there are enough issues right now to fill up two fingers on a hand that deserve that price.
September 4th, 2008
11:41 am
Tim,
This is a brilliant and eloquent Dr. King message, and I can’t help but read it with his voice in my head as hypnotizing as it can be after only hearing it a few times.
This story prompted me to remember a poem attributed to Pastor Martin Niemöller of Germany entitled: “First they came. . .”, which reminds us to stand up for what we believe in now rather than later. I hope you don’t mind me sharing! The version below is the one inscribed at the US Holocaust Museum in DC. Here goes:
First they came for the Socialists, and I did not speak out -
because I was not a Socialist.
Then they came for the Trade Unionists, and I did not speak out -
because I was not a Trade Unionist.
Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out -
because I was not a Jew.
Then they came for me – and there was no one left to speak for me.
Enjoy your time in London! D
September 4th, 2008
11:41 am
Lead follow or get out of the way…Tim, I applaud you for posting that interview. I liked it at the time and I like that you’ve taken the time to underscore a point here.
You aren’t your readers, ( fair weather ones if they let that sway them) or your comfort, or even your lifestyle design, you are your convictions. Isn’t that how you had the guts to write your book in the first place?
September 4th, 2008
11:42 am
Thanks, Tim for the MLK quote. It’s a good reminder that it’s better to live now, than to die without ever living.
September 4th, 2008
11:54 am
Tim – MLK was a very insightful man, brilliant speech and completely true. You can not worry about what other people think, especially when something hits you to the core. You said you were worried about losing some of your readers over it; I am glad you posted it. I consider myself a conservative and I still read your blog. Remember the 80/20 rule, and keep pluggin’ away.
In response to Marvin’s post, I agree we can do better. I think we need to move to a “4 Hour School Week”. Tim you can email me for more ideas for your next book :). Let’s get these kids started early. I think we will still need testing and scoring, because let’s face it, we all need competition to make ourselves better.
Thanks,
Dana
September 4th, 2008
12:08 pm
[...] Due to the fact that I’m knee-deep in turnaround strategies for 3 clients right now, I MUST give “props” to Tim Ferriss and his blog entry today… [...]
September 4th, 2008
12:10 pm
Tim,
Thanks for sharing this quote with us. It’s inspiring. I hope I’ll always choose to stand up when I’m called up on in this way.
September 4th, 2008
12:43 pm
Hi Tim ! Such wise words from Dr King….
Will you organise another get-together with your readers whilst in London? I was at the last one with my other italian friend and it was a success, it would be great to party together again.
Plus, we know your choice of wine this time…
Ciao !
Daniele
September 4th, 2008
12:53 pm
Great post! Better to make the tough decisions than no decision at all.
John P. Kreiss
September 4th, 2008
12:57 pm
I love that every time you post something, it makes me stop and think about my life and what I’m doing on this planet.
Thank you.
September 4th, 2008
1:11 pm
Great post! And the FISA post was great also.
I started out being an enthusiastic supporter of Obama, in part because he was originally on the right side of the FISA bill ( http://my.barackobama.com/page/community/post/yldave/gGgGN9 ). His joining McCain on the wrong side of the issue was a big disappointment.
So how do we stop rationalizing and get the word out on FISA?
You mentioned a Facebook group, let’s do it!
Dave
September 4th, 2008
1:47 pm
I’m glad you made the decision to make that post and stand up for what you believed in, even if you lost some readers. I happened to agree in that case, I do think the Patriot Act is not what our Founders’ vision was. I’m now living in Argentina and have an outside point of view on American politics. We should be appreciative MLK spearheaded such a just vision and even paved the way for people like Mr. Obama to have a shot at proving what he can do for the nation. I hate being political but I will say at least the American citizens haven’t turned to banging pots and pans in the streets (cacerolazos en Argentina) when demonstrating against the govt. Or maybe the US govt. hasn’t given them a reason to…. yet.
September 4th, 2008
1:54 pm
Hi people,
listen here one of the greatest speeches of all time with music. Google that:
6th Borough Project – Nights Over Memphis
and go to deepershades download it hear it…
gooseskin i promise
ciao
September 4th, 2008
2:18 pm
i read the FISA post a day late to take action, but i appreciated the attention you called to it.
with all that MLK did have to face in order to do what he felt was right, it kind of puts blog hits in perspective.
i believe there is no other way to be but completely authentic. and authenticity will always be controversial.
September 4th, 2008
2:32 pm
[...] “Stop rationalizing and make hard decisions: Learning from Dr. King” posted by Tim Ferriss (the author of “The 4-Hour Workweek“). [...]
September 4th, 2008
2:33 pm
Pretty soon people will be quoting the Obama speech from the DNC with the same reverence.
September 4th, 2008
2:37 pm
Thank you all for the great additions to the conversation! My favorite so far — and there are some great ones besides this — is the following from Luis, also mentioned by a few others:
“Es mejor morir de pie que vivir de rodillas. (Translation: It is better to die standing on one’s feet, than to live on your knees.)” and “I wish to die a slave to principles, not to men.”
Emiliano Zapata Salazar (August 8, 1879–April 10, 1919)
Truer words were never spoken.
All the best from London,
Tim
September 4th, 2008
3:02 pm
Hi Tim,
i am not your opinion about Zapata words. There are more truer word than hims. For example Ghandi:
“There is no way to peace, peace is the way!
For me the one and only human and peaceful “Revolutionär” of all time. After you of course ;-)
ciao
Marco
September 4th, 2008
3:07 pm
Hi Tim, I very much liked the interview and think, it was the only decision you could make. I had an idea how I can help, even from Germany. I’m a member of a powerful worldwide network what I could invite you to. It would be a great opportunity to post your threat there as well. Please get in touch with me and I’ll send you the invitation.
Hope you loved burning man. Couldn’t make it this year.
(twitter: macke_markus)
Cheers Markus
September 4th, 2008
3:09 pm
Greetings from London as well!
I’ve read a book lately “The Paradox of Choice” where Barry Schwartz groups people as maximizers (those making sure they make the best choice) and satisfizers (those looking for a good enough solution). I’m learing to be more of a satisfizer and just “go for things.” I think this attitude is important when you own a business and have to make many decisions daily.
September 4th, 2008
3:15 pm
***
Tim,
Just wanted to share the email I received…
It just makes me stop and smile.
Thank you.
I saw one of your videos on YouTube about 4HWW and went to your website to look around. I love the part in your blog where you show pictures of where you’ve been. I just read 4HWW and I was wondering if you could tell me how long it took you to be successfull with your wholesale business and if you’ve found the 4HWW to actualy be possible? I’m hoping you read this, I’m not sure if you check all of your own emails given some of the suggestions in the book. ;-)
September 4th, 2008
4:31 pm
Tim,
Once again.. you ROCK OUR FACES OFF!
thanks for the inspiration to not only “take” a stand…but to “MAKE” a stand where ever you find one.
If you every happen to wander through Oklahoma City… you have a couch to crash on and a few beers to drink… just drop me a note!
Dave
September 4th, 2008
4:41 pm
If you lost some readers over the FISA post…their loss. They don’t want their sleep disturbed.
MLK a true visionary.
Take care in London. :)
The truth. Can you handle it?
September 4th, 2008
6:43 pm
Awesome, Tim! Bring the message out! I support you!
September 4th, 2008
7:13 pm
I’m still here. Glad you are still posting.
September 4th, 2008
8:16 pm
It’s refreshing to read these words of truth amidst the active political rhetoric (albeit unactualized) in the present conventions. Thank you.
Might I offer a suggestion? Add extra ways for readers to share your posts. The ‘ShareThis” widget is pretty thorough. You can find an ex of that widget on this healthy food and ag site http://fooddeclaration.org/.
September 4th, 2008
8:22 pm
All I can say is WOW. Dr King is one of my all time favorite hero’s. I never get tired of hearing or reading his unique perspective. I will stand for what’s right and hope to be a good example for all the world to see.
September 4th, 2008
8:34 pm
[...] Tim Ferriss’ blog: “I say to you, this morning, that if you have never found something so dear and precious [...]
September 4th, 2008
8:51 pm
@nate – i think your friend is quoting from a book by Brian Tracy – its called…wait for it, “Eat that frog”
September 4th, 2008
9:39 pm
[...] Click here to read this post: [...]
September 4th, 2008
10:12 pm
Good for you. Standing up to be counted isn’t easy but it’s right. That you quoted Dr. King’s sermon was most touching and electrifying.
Our lesson growing up was that “silence is approval” and those who bestow silent approval are worse than those doing the bad deed. Because they KNOW the bad deed is wrong.
GOOD FOR YOU! BTW, your session at NSA ROCKED and was worth the price of admission.
September 5th, 2008
1:51 am
You gotta love intestinal fortitude. Your post reminded me of Death by Risk Aversion (creating passionate users).
September 5th, 2008
2:48 am
Nice post. While we differ in opinion regarding FISA, I respect your opinion, and your decision to post this on your site.
As an entrepreneur, I keep a copy of Teddy Roosevelt’s quatoation below in my office and read it when the ‘doubters’ (self-doubt included) raise their heads.
“It is not the critic who counts: not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles or where the doer of deeds could have done better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood, who strives valiantly, who errs and comes up short again and again, because there is no effort without error or shortcoming, but who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions, who spends himself for a worthy cause; who, at the best, knows, in the end, the triumph of high achievement, and who, at the worst, if he fails, at least he fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who knew neither victory nor defeat.”
-Theodore Roosevelt April 10, 1899
September 5th, 2008
4:16 am
Tim – started reading your book 5 days ago. I’ve now got a UK on-shore VA that you’d be proud of, check them out (amazingly found out the CEO is someone I met in my last job, a real entrepreneur who you can live chat with on his site): http://www.timeetc.co.uk
But anyway, small chat – what are you doing in London? Any chance of seeing you whilst over?
September 5th, 2008
4:26 am
@RMJ
Love that quote.
As for the post, I love the reference to spirit. Spirit is the balance of the internal war between your body and mind. If your spirit dies, then so does the definition of living. You may be walking around, as Dr.King says, but you will have ceased to ‘live’ because your spirit will have died.
I wish people understood the power of the spirit, and stopped paying attention to everything else. Raise your spirit, keep it strong, and never ever give it up for anyone or anything.
September 5th, 2008
4:52 am
[...] Ferriss cuts to the chase with a post on making tough decisions. It’s not easy. It’s part of the “Eating Frog” metaphor I dicussed last [...]
September 5th, 2008
6:56 am
One of my favorite quotes along these lines is from the movie Braveheart (I have no idea if William Wallace actually said it or not…).
“Fight and you may die, run and you will live. At lease a while…
“And dying in your beds, many years from now, would you be willing to trade all the days from this day to that for one chance, just one change, to come back here and tell our enemies that they may take our lives, but they will never take our freedom!”
-William Wallace
September 5th, 2008
7:08 am
Thanks Tim. Even the most powerful speakers as they live on in the hearts and minds of those who are willing to use what they offer, to change for the better after seeing a beautiful secret of life such as this will witness it and cherish it for a second, but it will fall to the wayside for most and they will go back to doing what they are doing. I am grateful to live my life by this much before 38 to live my life by a standard of never getting stuck, always moving toward the direction that I feel I was born to move toward and to stand up and fight for what I believe in for myself and for those who want to live greater lives. Thank you for your leadership in a world of followers Tim. It is always recharging as I sit at my 9-5 and work 6-10 on building my “muse”. I look forward to meeting you one day Tim have a great day in Taiwaan or Napaal wherever you may be I am sure you are squeezing the juices out of the great fruits of the world!
September 5th, 2008
8:04 am
Wow, Beautiful words! And I get to see them while I sit on the cusp of doing something requiring great conviction, dedication, & love. Thank You!
I went through a similar quandry as you about six months ago with a decision on whether or not to teach a philosophy I felt called to share, and my teacher finally said to me:
“CHOOSE soul CHOOSE! You can not dip your toe in. You must dive!”
I did and I am amazed at the bounty and depth and richness that my life has expressed since then, and the depth to which I perceive it continues to grow. Whether it be to speak for a cause, or simply to speak because there are words arising from the inner being that need expression, it is the expression that is so important. Another quote comes to mine, that is one of the most influential of my life:
“There is a vitality, a life force, an energy, a quickening, that is translated through you into action, and because there is only one of you in all time, this expression is unique. And if you block it, it will never exist through any other medium and will be lost.” -Martha Graham
Joyful day to all!
September 5th, 2008
8:43 am
Risk – unknown author
To laugh is to risk appearing the fool.
To weep is to risk appearing sentimental.
To reach out to others is to risk involvement.
To expose feelings is to risk exposing your true self.
To place your ideas, your dreams before a crowd is to risk their loss.
To love is to risk not being loved in return.
To live is to risk dying.
To hope is to risk despair.
To try is to risk failure.
But risks must be taken,
because the greatest hazard in life is to do nothing.
The person who risks nothing,
does nothing, has nothing, and is nothing.
They may avoid suffering and sorrow,
but they cannot learn, feel, change, grow, love, live.
Chained by their attitudes, they are a slave,
they forfeited their freedom.
Only the person who risks can be free
September 5th, 2008
9:48 am
Hi Tim,
You are an inspiration! I am currently on a mini-retirement. After 12 years in the corporate world I left my job this past June. I worked at a sailing club for the summer…fun and zero stress! I am leaving for Thailand the end of this month. I plan to teach English for a couple months and spend 3-4 weeks traveling. I love this lifestyle! Have you been to Thailand? Any tips? This trip will truly take me out of my comfort zone, and I couldn’t be more excited for this adventure!
September 5th, 2008
1:18 pm
After reading this, I am inspired to propose ROWE to my employer.
I have always valued results over ‘face time’ and have always just gotten a new job when fed up. But like the author of Why Work Sucks…, I have begun to realize that ‘face time’ is a standard just about everywhere.
So I have decided to stay this time and try to change my working environment. This post has emboldened me. Thanks Tim
September 5th, 2008
1:56 pm
“Those who stand for nothing fall for anything.” -Alexander Hamilton
September 5th, 2008
2:09 pm
[...] love what he says at the bottom of this excerpt, so please read on down until the end. Thanks to Tim Ferriss for posting this & reminding me about this [...]
September 5th, 2008
2:59 pm
Wow. It really sums up how I’ve been feeling lately about a lot of things, particularly politics but just things in general.
I for one have decided that there are no Republicrats or Demublicans that should get my vote. Both parties have abrogated their responsibilities to the Constitution in our once great land. They spread fear and lies to retain their grip on power and fail the test of upholding the very core values that made our nation what it has once been.
No more. I believe that we all need to stand for something more substantial than just another drink, just another bimmer, just another pile of cash. Our nation is in danger and none of us are free unless we are all free, none of us are safe unless we are all safe. The complete bill of goods we’ve been sold (or cowed into accepting) is complete lie, a fabrication designed to destroy the best parts of our country.
Tim, thanks for a great post. Thanks for the FISA post. Rest assured you will never lose this reader for writing something controversial. More should be writing things like that, hang the consequences. Speaking truth to power can be a dangerous thing. I pray there are enough folks with the temerity to stand up and say what needs to be said.
Thanks.
dennis
September 5th, 2008
3:10 pm
Tim, thank you for taking a stand. Thank you for reminding us of the strength it took in the 60s to stand up. I’ll remind everyone of the strength it also took for our foremothers to stand up to win us the opportunity vote.
I’m tired of being afraid of losing my job and my friends (which I have) because I of standing up.
and if you lose followers….well?
September 5th, 2008
3:13 pm
@David Brundage:
I WILL NEVER QUOTE OBAMA. Not now, not ever. He lied about his intent on FISA. He said he would filibuster it and then did nothing. He is a “celebrity politician”; looks good in a suit, acts well but in the end does nothing of substance.
He is cut from the same globalista cloth that the rights takers are. Those who are going to vote for him expecting “change” may well be very surprised at what sort of “change” they get (or have left after he taxes us all to the poorhouse…).
@Manan:
Those words from Swami Vivekananda are awesome. Thanks for sharing.
@Tim F.:
Those words from Zapata were amazing. The time has come for people to take a stand before we are forced to live on our knees.
September 5th, 2008
3:35 pm
Tim – I had a great time at Burning Man, wish I had known you were there. I saw this message posted on the temple:
Life’s journey is not to arrive at the grave safely in a well preserved body. But rather to skid in sideways, totally worn out, with a beer in one hand, shouting “Holy Shit, what a ride!!”
I thought it fits right in with your message.
September 5th, 2008
5:20 pm
@Manan – to have no fear is foolishness. The courage is acting regardless of your fear. Ask any man who has been in combat (I have not, but have spoken to those who have), and they will tell you they were always afraid. But they still acted. THAT is courage.
Another quote, which I think tracks with Ferriss’ posting of MLK’s quote and is apropos to the conversation:
“If you will not fight for right when you can easily win without blood shed; if you will not fight when your victory is sure and not too costly; you may come to the moment when you will have to fight with all the odds against you and only a precarious chance of survival. There may even be a worse case. You may have to fight when there is no hope of victory, because it is better to perish than to live as slaves. – Winston Churchill”
September 5th, 2008
6:14 pm
While I can’t say I would die for this cause I am extremely passionate about it. I ran and was elected for our school board this spring and find my principles on trial weekly. So far so good.
A relevant quote that I like to use is “Important principles may and must be inflexible.” Abraham Lincoln
September 5th, 2008
9:39 pm
[...] this on Tim Ferriss’s website. It’s an inspiration quote from Dr. Martin Luther King [...]
September 6th, 2008
12:10 am
Hi Folks,
lately i read a wise quotation on a public restroom, Author unknown:
“Fighting for peace is like fucking for virginity”
For all those who hang on these martially Quotations. I cant stand it anymore.
There a are lot of peaceful ways to change something, look at Ghandi, Martin Luther (+King) “Here I stand and I cant do differently” , the people from the former GDR “We are the people” and so one.
Read Tims Book, eg the part with “from more becomes less” + “from freedom fighter to a Dictator” etc.
And i say “change yourself not the others, God will do the rest. ” Like Tim did – i follow him ;-)
ciao Marco
September 6th, 2008
12:15 am
test 1 2 3
September 6th, 2008
6:45 am
If you have no clear convictions that you stand on, you haven’t a brain to think for yourself and you’ll be swayed by anything that comes your way.
September 6th, 2008
8:02 am
Tim,
Great post. And taking a stand against FISA was the right thing to do.
September 6th, 2008
12:32 pm
Outstanding words from Dr. King. I confess I had not heard them before. Thanks Tim.
Related quote:
Never “for the sake of peace and quiet” deny your own experience or convictions.
– Dag Hammarskjold, 2nd Secretary-General of the United Nations (1905-1961)
September 6th, 2008
12:56 pm
[...] Stop Rationalizing and Make Hard Decisions: Learning from Dr. King (short and to the [...]
September 6th, 2008
5:55 pm
Dear Tim,
I’d be very interested to know if you lost any readers because of your FISA post. I doubt it. Many were just very annoyed, hit delete, and hoped that you would return quickly to what we love about you and your book, life-style design.
Best,
Ben
September 6th, 2008
8:23 pm
Fear is a Bitch…
Found this on Tim Ferriss’s website. It’s an inspiration quote from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Too many people dream things they will never turn into reality.
I think it is because we want to feel safe in our comfort zones. I know s…
September 6th, 2008
8:52 pm
Great stuff as always Tim. Congrats on all of your success(es). It’s the first time I leave a comment on your blog. I think your book is worth it’s weight in Gold. Keep up the great work, your an inspiration to all of us entrepreneurs.
September 6th, 2008
10:52 pm
Wow…that was amazing. Thank you for sharing!
September 7th, 2008
1:25 am
Dr king is my hero. This speech is like most of his, other worldly in its power.
No amount of rationalizing, or aiming to sound clever, could ever come close to the power of this mans words. Although Tim, you are fast becoming a hero too. I hope this means I am standing up for what i think is right, and understand that the 4 hr week, is not about the easy way out.
Hello to you fellow devotees also.
September 7th, 2008
10:24 am
Bravo Tim ~ Bravo !
I must say Tim that I’m a bit surprised and equally elated that you stood up for something that is such a major issue on
“What It Actually Is To be an American ” !
I lived in Europe for a number of years and have traveled this world Quite Extensively due to my line of work …. and I can assure you that one of the most distiquishable attributes that defines us Americans from other country men and women is Our ” Constitution ” & “Bill Of Rights ” .
Those Rights as Americans are the most defining issue of the day in terms of “What it Is To Be An American ”
.. and from what I’ve seen in the past several years …. no matter what Polictical Stripe you chose to Wear …. the single most endangered Right as an American in these Times ….. was solidify with that vote on the FISA Bill … I’m not going to get into the finer points of it…. but I am an African American , And A Obama Supporter .
Having now read your Post… and thoroughly reviewing Obama’s position on this Single issue I am strongly considering not voting for him at all ! That’s how strongly I feel about it.
Just like a child who takes for granted his or her many fortunes ..only to learn to appreciate them later in life when perhaps those fortunes are gone ….
We will one day very soon do the same .
Tim , I want to commend you for Standing Up for something in spite of possible unpopularity …. possible loss of income … possible ridicule …..
Great Post ! … You’ve gained a new subscriber to your Blog .
Just remember Tim when you’re in London…..Look Right First and Not Left when you’re Crossing the Street ! Life Depends on it :-) .. it’s something to get use to .
September 7th, 2008
6:07 pm
Serendipity! I had planned to comment on “Seeing in the Dark,” and saw the light instead. Kudos, Mr. Ferris, from a stargazer in Athens, GA…
September 7th, 2008
8:14 pm
Tim – that was awesome!
I can only imagine what the heck this speech would do for people who are not doing what they love.
I am digging this and we must spread the word!
thanks bruddah!
–z–
September 7th, 2008
11:56 pm
[...] you guys just want to read something inspiring, Tim Ferris, posted a quote from Martin Luther King, that surely have you moved toward [...]
September 8th, 2008
2:44 am
Dear Mr. Timothy Ferriss
I am Phuong Thao, Vietnamese person and copyright specialist of Thaihabooks company. I am very glad to write this comment to you. My company have Vietnamese right of your book THE 4 HOUR WORK WEEK through Random House, we would like to publish this book into Vietnamese within next month. I would like to ask more detail of you terms in your book that makes me confusing “8-10x markup” and “20-50x markup” in translating these into Vietnamese. Please kindly explain to me details meaning of those numbers and letter “x”, also markup in this case.
Your book is really exciting and I really would like to be NR like you in the near future. I hope you can see Vietnamese version soon.
Looking forward to hearing from your reply soon.
With best wishes from Vietnamese,
Phuong Thao
September 8th, 2008
3:14 am
Tim – Very important words to remember in a time like ours. Our own thoughts and ideals can so easily be drowned out by the constant drumbeat of the status quo. But it is what we do in the face of the status quo to change our lives and the lives of others, that really matters. My current email signature (thanks to a post by Derek Sivers (sivers.org/maslow)) contains the following quote, which perhaps you will agree, is a rather important lesson for us all to learn:
“Life is an ongoing process of choosing between safety (out of fear and need for defense) and risk (for the sake of progress and growth). Make the growth choice a dozen times a day.” – Abraham Maslow
September 8th, 2008
7:08 am
Tim,
What a great quote from Dr. King. Sometimes it is very hard to stand up for what is decent or right in our world. We are all afraid to make waves! Thankfully you are living what you preach but bucking the system and following what your conscious says what it needs to say. It sure is difficult sometimes to change when we fear or worry about who will still love or like us when we make authentic choices in our lives. Hard to leave work, relationships, or speaking up for something unpopular. Thankfully you are and quotables such as Dr. King help remind us to move past the fear and live in our own truth via action and not complacency.
Love and Hugs,
Jen
September 8th, 2008
3:13 pm
Hello Tim, great post…I took it literally and started something new for me. Goals set, first step taken.
Tnx a lot, you are in my blogroll
Darren
September 8th, 2008
4:07 pm
Hey Tim,
Just wanted you to know that I probably never would have come to this site much less bought your book if not for your FISA posts. Never back down from showing your values– if some wrongheaded traitors decide not to read your book because of it, then you have done the world a service. Supporting the diminishment of the Bill of Rights is straight-up treason, unacceptable anti-American fascist crap. Anyway, the off-topic stuff is what colors you as a reputable source, more than just a skilled huckster who can repackage and market existing information effectively.
Incidentally, your book was amazing, easily one of the 5 best general financial self-help books I’ve read, on par with Think and Grow Rich and Rich Dad, Poor Dad. It reflects a lot of the ideas I had about business for years, and inspires me to make it happen for real. We’ll see how it goes. Wish me luck!
September 8th, 2008
4:09 pm
I remain a conservative, Iraq war defending, right wing Republican that has found liberals as strange bedfellows on this issue. I remain quite frustrated in my attempts to persuade fellow Republicans on this issue (though it should be noted that Obama voted FOR this measure after stating he opposed it).
I moderate my view in that I would favor reforms that would keep with the spirit of the Constitution, but would provide for instance a warrant that would follow a person rather than a device. I don’t think for instance a disposable cell phone could have been foreseen when the founding fathers penned the words, “particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.”
However, there can be NO DOUBT what the Founding Fathers meant when they wrote, “The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation.” If there’s a United States citizen involved, there MUST be a warrant.
If you’re rationalizing on this you’re not only a lousy Republican, but a lousy American– and dare I say it: UNPATRIOTIC. This shouldn’t even be up for a vote in Congress because like so much of what Congress does these days, it is already prohibited by the Constitution. If we don’t reassert our privacy rights now, we may lose them forever. And let’s face it– even my liberal buds have to acknowledge this– if we lose rights here in America, it’s not like the French will take up the cause. America is the last best hope for the freedom of mankind. We’re it. We give up rights here, they’re gone forever.
September 8th, 2008
6:59 pm
Thanks again Tim,
As always, something motivational arrives in my inbox from you’re blog. On my life journey, and I’m sure many others’, you’re ability to hone in on what counts has been a great inspiration. To overcome all that negativity that can drown out the clear picture takes a lot of effort, but it’s worth it if you can stand up and lead a life you love.
Matt O
September 9th, 2008
3:07 am
Each and everyone must work against the Racism.
September 9th, 2008
6:03 am
People who are either afraid of death or afraid of life are not much fun to be around. I like being around those who are alive.
To quote another powerful person, Howard Thurman, said …
“Don’t ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.”
September 9th, 2008
6:25 am
Excellent post and very inspiring.
September 9th, 2008
9:59 am
While I enjoyed the King quote – the man had a great deal of wisdom – I have to wonder whether it’s wise to mix business and politics.
I think, Tim, you get a ‘pass’ for doing this on a blog – a blog is more of a personal statement than a business setting. However, if you decided to make anti-FISA or other political statements at business conferences, meetings or on TV, you would seriously limit your message and effectiveness, not to mention that you would quickly become a pest (or a darling of the media. Depending on where you came down on the political spectrum.) Either way, your business message would be lost in the political controversy of it all, or at the very least, the message would be less effectively delivered, and find fewer receptive ears.
Just like you’d be rather ticked off if you had to hear from a vendor, each time you spoke, “Oh, by the way, have you been saved by the Lord?” or “I need you to sign onto this plan to save Africa.” or “I want to take 15 minutes of your time to tell you why we should be boycotting [business name here] because they donated to ___’s political campaign,” your comments are alienating to some readers and potential book buyers.
One can choose to frame their political activism in terms of “bravery” if one wishes, and sometimes it certainly is, because it carries with it a cost – lost business, for one.
There’s a time and a place for political wrangling. The workplace? Probably not. A work-related blog? Tough call, but probably not.
Personally, I find it’s getting tiresome to discuss politics at all. I throw my talking points to the other guy, and he throws his back at me. Boring. Pointless. Convinces few, alienates many.
I also find it hilarious that someone would quote that Spanish Marxist leader here. I wonder what she would have said about the 4-hour workweek. Or capitalism. Or outsourcing to Third World nations. I do wish people would think things through before they post.
In the interest of balance – and perhaps idiocy – here’s another inspiring quote: “Better to live a day as a lion than 100 years as a sheep.” – Mussolini.
September 9th, 2008
11:39 am
One can LISTEN to r. King’s inspiring speech:
http://www.democracynow.org/2002/11/19/but_if_not_dr_martin_luther
September 9th, 2008
12:00 pm
Wonderful Post Tim,
I am both inspired and motivated to keep on with my passion and purpose. I strive to give, live, and stand up for what I hold true.
I look forward to meeting you on one of my mini-retirement trips.
Hope you and yours have a blessed day.
September 9th, 2008
9:23 pm
Tim,
wasn’t sure where else to write this. In the spirit of hard-decisions, I wanted to know if you feel your education (as in the degree) was really beneficial in any way or do you feel more as if you could of done what your doing without it?
I know school is good in the way that it opens minds to different things but I find most people get degrees without really knowing why and what the true purpose of it is. And in the end, was the money and effort worth it? or would it have been better used to find your true passion.
Whats your thoughts?
September 9th, 2008
9:24 pm
Also,
If anyone else would like to comment on the above post, that would be great.
Thanks!
September 10th, 2008
7:35 am
Dear Tim,
This post is not only good and inspiring, it makes readers aware of important the decision on FISA is for you. From the comments I have seen so far, people seem to have had great respect for your decision. So I expect that you’ll gain even firmer support from your readers even though you may (in theory) have put off some people. You might even gain some new readers.
September 10th, 2008
10:52 am
Amen and thanks for sharing.
September 10th, 2008
1:30 pm
Hey folks,
First of all, this is a godsend. Tim, the whole 4 hour work week thing is great. Keep it up Tim. Like many I’m sure I’ve had trouble developing a ‘muse’ but I’m trying and that’s what matters. Once you find a muse that can free you from the chains of deskdom.. well the sky’s the limit.
Meanwhile to keep my spirits up and hopefully yours too I thought I’d share something that reminded me, in a clean, funny, kind way of Tim since he likes Dancing, German, and specifically breakdancing (I guess they call it ‘locking’)
Anyhoo here it is: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gC0sIwcAi1A&NR=1
Cheers everyone!!!
Tony
September 10th, 2008
2:33 pm
Thanks for taking a stand, Tim.
“The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.”
Martin Luther King Jr., Strength to Love, 1963
“A man is the façade of a temple wherein all wisdom and all good abide. What we commonly call man, the eating, drinking, planting, counting man, does not, as we know him, represent himself, but misrepresents himself. Him we do not respect, but the soul, whose organ he is, would he let it appear through his action, would make our knees bend.” – Emerson
September 10th, 2008
4:58 pm
Matt,
The thing about an education is that it never ends. The thing I got out of a degree is how to organize my thoughts and how to think. It’s not so much the degree it’s how you use it. The person who gets the piece of paper and doesn’t keep learning after getting it is the one who misses out.
If you understand why you are getting the degree and have plans for it, it is definitely worth it.
September 10th, 2008
9:51 pm
Let me get this straight. You think you’re brave for risking a few readers to say what you really think? I happen to agree with you about FISA, but the fact that you had any angst about your decision intrigues me. Equating that with any type of real bravery is just a laughable. If you’re going over the top into machine gun fire, despite the very real likelyhood of DEATH, then thats bravery (our troops in Iraq are brave, yet I don’t see any body fawning over them.)
Sorry to upset everybodies sickening “PC vibe” and sychophantic dribble, but I think we’ve lost sight of what constitutes real bravery nowadays. Take credit for some real achievement.
September 11th, 2008
1:25 am
FYI the bit that Tim quoted is at 20:47 in this recording: http://www.democracynow.org/2002/11/19/but_if_not_dr_martin_luther
September 11th, 2008
10:35 am
This is fascinating to me, as I’ve just read Galileo, who essentially backed down from what he knew was right, so he could live on to actually express what he believed was right (writing “The Discorsi”, his book on motion).
So while I value Mr. King’s argument, and his deeds, there is indeed a counterpoint to this idea as displayed in history.
Not only this, but there are many times where quieting your voice to be heard another day IS important.
So there is an obvious discrepancy here. I think that to generalize that we die when we lay silent is simply that, a generalization. Often times, to do so is, as mentioned before, the means for which more POTENT change can occur.
My two cents. Just don’t want to let this be too black and white.
September 11th, 2008
11:45 am
looks like my comment was deleted or did not post..someone wrote: “This is fascinating to me, as I’ve just read Galileo, who essentially backed down from what he knew was right, so he could live on to actually express what he believed was right (writing “The Discorsi”, his book on motion”
You don’t have to look back that far, sir just read up on what recently happened to james watson the discover of DNA. I find it hilarious that people avoid the current reality and keep replaying/rehashing Galileo and the 1960s /King
While I agree and am concerned about anarcho-tryanny (a state where criminals run free and ordinary citizens feel the heavy hand of the law) people seem to be avoiding the fact that real dissent is being supressed by the left/globlists – just look what happened to mark steyn in canada.
September 11th, 2008
1:32 pm
Fantastic post. Had not seen that one before, and glad I have now. Definitely saved for later reflection.
September 11th, 2008
6:46 pm
After reading both posts it really about public outcry. Unfortunately, we look for leaders who will say this is wrong before we ourselves will stand up to popular oppression.
Even in your FISA post you’ve pointed out the very issue. If just a few people cry out, “This is wrong!” It does count for the thousands who stand silent waiting for a leader. If you fear losing your following for what you believe. You’ll gain more than you lose.
You’ve be come a leader, or at least a spokesperson. People will rally behind you, so go for it. Say what you believe. Controversy bring even more attention.
By the way, I’d bet ML King, Jr’s. phone was wire tapped without a warrant.
Jim
September 12th, 2008
3:53 am
I just want to say congratulations for the FISA stand you took. I thought it was really great and courageous and important.
September 12th, 2008
5:21 am
it reminds me of a quote I once made up for myself: “what have you got to lose, if you’re dead already?”
September 12th, 2008
8:25 am
Great Quote!! and I Love your Book
September 12th, 2008
11:20 am
Tim,
Reading this quote I sat at my computer and cried. I am 38 years old and have just made some huge and difficult changes in my life. I find that I suffer from a lot of self-doubt since making this move and this quote served to strengthen my decision. Thank you for posting it and thank you for your book.
Samantha
September 12th, 2008
11:40 am
3 posts in 1 month… I am hungry for more!
September 16th, 2008
10:24 am
Amen to that! This is “one slap in the face to wake up in reality” that i need. America need more people like him. As Bob Marley said “Get up, Stand up for your rights!”
September 16th, 2008
11:20 pm
Dear Tim:
I’ve always been reticent to publicly take a stand on my political views in client situations. However, this year I was compelled to openly write and speak in my newsletter and public appearances about the state of the nation, what’s really at stake for us as Americans, as global citizens, and as human beings.
I, too, had been shy about losing business. It got to the place where it just didn’t matter, because as Martin Luther King said: “at this point the consequences to my personal life are irrelevant.” I truly feel this way.
To go on as if things are ok, as if narrowing my client size can be considered important or even relevant in the face of the annihilation of every principle I hold dear, is to be walking dead.
Thank you for the courage to speak your truth. And for being an inspiration to others who are beginning to stand up in their own arenas.
September 19th, 2008
4:07 am
Great quote! He was an inspirational man, Martin Luther King Jr and a great example of how we should all lead our lives.
Side note: Just bought your book, can’t wait.
All the best
September 19th, 2008
8:20 am
[...] Tim Ferriss at The Blog of Author Tim Ferriss. His blog has a wide variety of info on his popular book and lifestyle system The Four Hour Work Week. Tim’s latest post is “Stop Rationalizing and Make Hard Decisions: Learning From Dr. King” [...]
September 20th, 2008
1:40 am
Many people miss the point and put the post-modernism spin on him. His whole life was dedicated to believing every word of the Bible. That’s the base of everything he said.
It’s not that you stand up for what you believe in. You follow and listen to God and stand up for what is right based on the principles of the Bible. Everything MLK, jr stood for was based on his prayers and followings of God. That’s why he was so strong. That’s why he was willing to die. He knew it was right. His wife faught him every step of the way and left a legacy to her children not what MLK wanted. They are lost like she was and it’s sad.
The media and post-modern journalists and movie makers and Spike Lee’s take the truth out of MLK. He had a relationship with God and tried to walk like Jesus every day and everything he did was to honor Him.
If you guys want to be like MLK and stand for something, read the Bible first so you’ll have a strong foundation to hold you up when you fall from being bold and living strong.
September 21st, 2008
8:22 am
Hi, Tim! I’m from Brazil and I have to say that I’m impressed with your book! Should be great if you come to my country to talk about your ideas… I’m belly dancer and now I’m taking class of flamenco. I did Jiu-Jitsu, Hapki Do and Tae Kwon Do… I think that I’m a mosaic as you are… :) But I’m still being a “slave” of my job :( But I’ll learn with you! :D
September 22nd, 2008
2:58 pm
I really liked the part about dying if you don’t stand up for what is right, what is truth, and what is just. We die because these are the traits that makes us human. It is written in our conscience as well as our physical beings. I say physical beings because when we see grave injustice we feel it on our bodies. There are times when we may only know something is right or wrong because of how it makes us feel. “Right and wrong” can never be limited to how we feel but we know it can give us the sense of it.
September 26th, 2008
4:12 am
I think that is a great quote and do not understand why it would lose you readers? I would think that quote would inspire even the dying! I happen to be 37 years old myself and really try not to live in fear, but I guess sometimes it just sneaks up on you. I always try to run from it though because I have found that my life is much more exciting and fun if I run from fear and “just do it”.
Thanks for the inspiration!!
David
September 26th, 2008
6:00 am
[...] is a terrific post, using the example of Dr Martin Luther King as a way of figuring out what really matters – and then [...]
September 30th, 2008
12:55 pm
Excellent quote from Dr. King. It has enduring meaning and validity for me.
October 15th, 2008
12:35 pm
Hi Tim, I agee that language learning should be fun & enjoyable which does speed up the learning process. Like learning a language using catchy rhyming phrases (mnemonics), or reading a new language in a comic book, or listening to funny clips of your chosen language on youtube!
Ten minutes a day in my opinion is better than 2hrs once a week. Variety prevents boredom!
October 16th, 2008
4:54 pm
Thanks for posting that quote!
It is a reminder to seize the day,
and make the most of your life now
because tomorrow is not promised to us.
October 17th, 2008
3:48 am
Hi Tim, my name is batoleki from Tanzania. I would like to make comments as follows:
Anyone who knows the value of life, stand by the principles of protecting mankind and everywhatever makes life valueable and enjoyable. It is because of selfishness that we do not stop to hear evil ideas and consequently evil behaviors from peoples we expect wisdom. These are politicians, clergymen, parents, school teachers…etc. But it is said, “He who saves his life will destroy it; and he who is ready to loose it because of many, will not die and his ideas will not perish”. Dr Martine LutherKing is alive todate and may not die for many years.
October 22nd, 2008
3:50 am
[...] dive backwards through my mind. Pretty much every worthwhile business and personal enlightenment advisor will tell you that you need to find your purpose in life. While I haven’t refined my life [...]
November 4th, 2008
6:03 am
Tim,
I know this is a pretty late response to this post, but I wanted to thank you so much for sharing this quote. I read it this morning & carry it in my pocket as I head out to campaign at the polls against California’s Proposition 8 to protect civil rights for same sex couples. I beleive in this cause deeply, but MLKs words are what gave me the guts to go do something about it.
Thanks,
Brian
February 16th, 2009
6:54 pm
Love this truth. I work with people who are terminally ill and dying every day. They’ve taught me more than any textbooks ever could about abundant life and facing fear aka False Evidence Appearing Real. Not one of them ever said, “gee, I wish I had spent more time at the office.”..or… (the rest to be shared when the book comes out) I am often asked, “how can you do such a job?” as if it requires some special skill. To me it takes more effort to walk around as the living dead in apathy. When I see that I want to say, “how can you do such a thing?” What an amazing life and testimony he was!!! Jeanie
April 23rd, 2009
4:33 pm
How can you not like this? What a great post! Thanks for doing this. Great quote! Really inspiring during this rough economy as well!
Happy Business all!
June 23rd, 2009
4:22 am
[...] is a technique that Tim Ferriss often writes about – defining your fears. Defining your fears puts into perspective whether they are realistic or not, and, if they are [...]
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