“Doubt can only be removed by action.”

One thing I love about Ted Lasso, especially on rewatching, is how it often brings some old wisdom to life within the story.

Yep, Ted Lasso can make even an old German guy from the 1800’s sound interesting and relevant in the right context, as in this brilliant quote from Goethe in S3E1.

Doubt can only be removed by action.

Now this quote may not sound like much on it’s own, but it really hits in the show.

It reminds me of the many conversations I’ve been stuck in where people are going back and forth debating the theoretical merits of idea. Goethe reminds up that the only real judge that matters is action and its consequence. 🙌

This is a nice counterpart to Epicteus, who was also into actions over ideas.

Still, while the old German guy and the old Greek guy are great and smart and all that, wouldn’t you rather get your philosophy from this crew?

Quotes

“Don’t explain your philosophy. Embody it.”

Featured patmcg1 Comment

I love this quote, which I came across in a list of ancient stoic quotes (with some pretty good visuals).

Don’t explain your philosophy. Embody it.
Epicteus

This quote reminds me of a series on Confucius, Buddha, Jesus, and Muhammad.

This series noted the one thing these leaders had in common: sure, they all had interesting ideas, but more importantly, they lived by their ideas. If they had just talked a lot, they would not have had the real-world impact that they had. Their actions were inspiring.

So if you want to be a pretty cool and impactful person, in whatever form that takes, then figure out what you stand for and live it.

I know, I know… that’s easier said than done.

But what else are you going to do that could be any better?

Besides, it’s fun to do stuff, and talking gets old.

Quotes

“…not to nurse memories, especially not of evils, but to overlook them.”

11 December 202227 December 2022 patmcgLeave a comment

To me, Aristotle always seemed like just another stuffy ancient Greek dude in a robe. I always confused him with Socrates. I related to Bill & Ted when they met Socrates, swapping generic, abstract ideas with classic rock lyrics. 😆

But Aristotle was not lost in the abstract. Like other ancient philosophers, he had some cool things to say about being a good person, For example, he espoused being forgiving, consciously “overlooking” the past to avoid the self-imposed ill of resentment.

It is proper to a magnanimous person not to nurse memories, especially not of evils, but to overlook them.
Aristotle

👉 You’ve got to love the word “magnanimous” – it’s a new favorite word of mine.

Dude was also into being helpful and generous…

Of all those who are called virtuous the liberal are probably the best liked, because they are helpful; and their help consists in giving.

So “The Philosopher” was just saying be kind, generous, and forgiving. 🤷🏻‍♂️

Quotes

“Life can only be understood backwards, but it must be lived forwards.”

17 August 202124 August 2021 patmcg2 Comments

Back in college, I remember philosophy geeks loved to say, “Well, Kierkegaard said…” and would quote him and act all superior. It was so annoying.

But now I get it, dammit. 🤦🏻‍♂️ The dude was smart. Here’s one of my favorite quotes.

Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards.
Søren Kierkegaard

It’s the basic trick of life. Take what you’ve learned so far in life and use it to more forward. ➡

I really like this quote because, like with Rumi, it’s practical advice about living a good life. It’s right on the edge between “cool ideas” and basic self-help.

Wait, am I become a philosophy geek? 😱

Quotes

“Move, but don’t move the way fear makes you move.”

31 July 202131 July 2021 patmcg3 Comments

Another gem from Rumi, the 13th-century Persian fountain of wisdom. 🤯

Move, but don’t move the way fear makes you move.
Rumi

Rumi was part of the old-school philosophy (quite literally) that focused on how to live a good life rather than the big questions of the universe. Although these two questions can certainly meld together.

👉 This open and fearless attitude might be useful for those anti-vaxxers among us.

I’m adding Rumi to my list of ancient people I wish I could hang out with, along with Marcus Aurelius, the Roman philosopher king and self-awareness guru who pre-dated Rumi by over 1000 years.