ALL THINGS IN MODERATION, INCLUDING DESIRE

"We never desire strongly, what we desire rationally."

François de La Rochefoucauld (1613-1680) French writer

Our rational mind moderates our desiring mind, a good thing.

I REASON SO

"Everything that is beautiful and noble is the product of reason and calculation."

Charles Baudelaire

19th century French poet

Both to make those things as well as to find that made by others.

The last one in particular.

UNCOMMON SENSE

"Common sense is not so common."

Voltaire

18th century French writer/historian

If common sense really were (common) wouldn't we see more of it?

I'M REASONABLY CERTAIN THIS IS TRUE

"The true triumph of reason is that it enables us to get along with those who do not possess it."

Voltaire

18th century French writer/historian

Well, not always (enables), but even having the ability to attempt to reason with an unreasonable person is an advantage.

Wanting To Is Not Enough

"He who is firm in will molds the world to himself."

Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe

18th century German poet/author

A poetic argument for being strong-willed, but what this doesn't mention is the equally important need for power to back up your conviction.

And it also doesn't take into account that one can be both strong-willed and wrong at the same time.

Just beginning your career, or maybe wondering why 10 years into it, you're not getting promotions as are your peers?

Think about your will power, ability to reason, and power to influence others, in concert with each other as opposed to being separate entities.

Too much of one, too little of the others and you won't get where you want to be.

Go For It, Reasonably

"Earnestness is enthusiasm tempered by reason."

Blaise Pascal

17th century French mathematician/philosopher

Pretty astute observation, particularly coming from one who is both a mathematician and a philosopher (talk about the potential for internal conflict.)

The goal is well reasoned enthusiasm.

Passion: Ever Too Much?

"If passion drives you let reason hold the reins."

Benjamin Franklin

Many speak admiringly about those who are passionate about their beliefs.

But do you think Mr. Franklin is suggesting that unbridled passion is not enough, maybe even dangerous? That maybe too much passion blinds one to reality?

There is a fine line between "not letting anything stand in your way" and "not listening to reason."

How do you know where one ends and the other begins?