Are quotes the greatest sharers of wisdom and influence?

Quotations… I love them! Sometimes so simple yet carry such complex messages.

I get inspired by a great deal of things over the course of a year with regards to words. I like traditional philosophies, the tried and tested real-world practical and human stuff, a bit of Stoic philosophy and teachings goes down well also and under my skin. Sometimes I enjoy alternative way-out-there ideas, theories and thinking. Sometimes it’s avant-garde influences that test my own brain and beliefs etc. But I believe in an always question everything mentality.

Add to the above the benefits on the mind having a conversation with friends – the times we have used a quote to translate a point or pespective is probably quite high on the percentage, others include reading a poem that just hits hard, a trip to a gallery to see a piece of work that sings to me, or most often it’s music and a piece that just says so much and enables a flow of thinking. We all have our influences.

I’ll confess though… I’ve never had the concentration to sit and read book after book. The thought of it just doesn’t turn my crank. I’ve always preferred the dipping in and out, finding that nugget of gold, and that way I find I actually retain more. This is why I love finding quotes from others that are easy and accessible (and a reason I like clever, less-is-more copy and writing styles). They are bite-sized chunks of knowledge, guidance and wisdom. Allowing us to take in anothers viewpoint or real world experience, and reflect. Add to that, when the content is relative to you or from someone you admire you have a great conduit for learning and growing.

Maybe those words won’t work for you all the time, or that day and time, but there’s a fair chance they will resonate with you when you need it most. imho there’s always a perfect time and place for a bit of wisdom and the quote can be as short and sharp as it gets.

Q: So what’s your favourite quote? DM me, be great to hear it!