Tag Archives: Thomas Carlyle

“The true university of these days is a collection of books.”

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“The true university of these days is a collection of books.”

– Thomas Carlyle, Scottish philosopher and writer

466Image from Flickr by Abee5.

Thomas Carlyle was born in 1795. He was a Scottish philosopher, satirical writer, essayist, historian and teacher during the Victorian era.

What do you think Carlyle’s quote might say if he lived today in the era of Google, mobile apps, and voice recognition software? He would undoubtedly have included blogs, audio, video and a host of other modalities from which to choose.

Exercise:

Consider watching the 1959 Twilight Zone episode “Time Enough at Last” where the main character, the coke-bottle-glasses wearing Henry Bemis, explores his voracious appetite to read and learn.

What are your preferred methods of educating yourself in this time of such variety?

How can you make a bit more time for your own pursuit of continuous learning and take a self-declared advanced degree in any subject you choose?

“The merit of originality is not novelty; it is sincerity.”

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“The merit of originality is not novelty; it is sincerity.”

– Thomas Carlyle, Scottish philosopher and writer

One of the cornerstones to the value of coaching is the stickiness or sustainability of success that it provides.

An example of stickiness can be found in brand loyalty, to specific products and services that have stood the test of time.

Think about your own loyalty to specific brands, even when faced with the onslaught of novel and often catchy campaigns attempting to lure you away from these sincere and enduring relationships. To borrow a phrase used by one of the most successful brands in the world, we are looking for “the real thing.”

Exercise:

Take a few quiet moments over a weekend to write out your own original vision statement, based on your most sincerely held beliefs and values.

Consider doing this exercise with close friends or family members, to embrace the mutual merits of each person’s originality.

For example, my Life Vision is a healthy, peaceful, beautiful world of extraordinary relationships, great accomplishments, and integrity; an exciting world of respect, dignity, leadership, courage, and honor, where all people generously and passionately contribute their best to one another.