Tag Archives: dignity

“The ideal man bears the accidents of life with dignity and grace, making the best of circumstances.”

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“The ideal man bears the accidents of life with dignity and grace, making the best of circumstances.”

—Aristotle, ancient Greek Philosopher

No one who has ever lived has led a completely charmed life in which everything went well, pushed along by a kind breeze.

On the surface of things, many people think that celebrities, great sports figures, accomplished business leaders, and even folks that share the highlights of their lives on social media have it made.

When you look even inches below the surface however, we all bear the scars of the numerous lumps and bumps life delivers.

EXERCISE:

How can you demonstrate and more fully appreciate the dignity and grace in yourself and others as you and those around you make the best of what life presents?

Illegitimi Non Carborundum

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“Illegitimi Non Carborundum”

Image from pinterest.com

Image from pinterest.com

 

The mock-Latin aphorism, illegitimi non carborundum, means “Don’t let the bastards grind you down.”

It was first brought to my attention years ago by Stan Ershler, my District Sales Manager when I was a rookie pharmaceutical representative for the Upjohn Company.

Stan shared this pearl of wisdom one day following a very unpleasant interaction with an arrogant, condescending physician. This doctor saw himself as God’s gift to medicine and wanted to be sure I knew my place—which of course, was well beneath him.

EXERCISE:

Where and with whom in your personal or professional life would reciting this catchy phrase provide you a booster shot of dignity when the “bastards” try to grind you down?

#83: “The most important human endeavor is the striving for morality in our actions…”

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“…Our inner balance, and even our very existence, depends on it. Only morality in our actions can give beauty and dignity to our lives.”

– Albert Einstein, theoretical physicist

Watching the Olympic Games over the past couple of weeks has been a highlight of my summer. Beyond the gold medals and extraordinary human achievement, we all got to see some special human moments of great beauty and dignity.

Did you see them too?

  • Athletes showing tears of joy in respect and honor of their country’s national anthem
  • Athletes thanking a higher power for their gifts and achievements
  • Athletes honoring their team-mates and competitors
  • The world coming together in peace to celebrate the human spirit

Exercise:

How can you bring your highest moral values and actions to each day and to those people around you, to experience greater beauty, balance and dignity in your life?

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