I often quote the gifted publisher and author Elbert Hubbard (1856-1915) because he is motivational, inspirational and visionary.
For the most part, I have become a cheerleader for business and as such I am always seeking comments and wisdom. Hubbard is currently my best source.
In the preface to his book, “The Notebook of Elbert Hubbard,” his wife, Alice, says: “Elbert Hubbard is the most positive human force of his time, is a man of genius in business, in art, in literature, in philosophy. He is an idealist, dreamer, orator, and scientist. In his knowledge of the fundamental, practical affairs of living, in business, in human interest, in education, politics and law, he seems without a competitor. He is like Jefferson in his democracy, in teaching a nation to love to govern itself and simplify all living. He is like Paine in his love for liberty and in his desire that all shall be free to act in freedom and think in freedom.”
This is only part one of her description of her husband, but you can see why I have fallen under his spell.
Another of Elbert's writings, titled “I Believe,” might fit in our thoughts. According to Elbert, the title has no standing. “Never a witness gives testimony but that he is cautioned thus, 'tell us what you know,'” but Elbert and I concur that what we believe is how we run our lives for the most part.
Here are his thoughts. “I believe” I know:
That I am here. In a world where nothing is permanent but change, and that, in degree, I, myself, can change the form of things,
And influence a few people;
And that I am influenced by these and other people;
That a certain attitude of mind and habit of action on my part will add to the peace, happiness and wellbeing of other people, And that a different thought and action on my part will bring pain and discord to others;
That if I would secure a reasonable happiness for myself, I must give out goodwill to others;
That to better my own condition I must practice mutuality;
That bodily health is necessary to continued and effective work;
That I am ruled largely by habit, that habit is a form of exercise;
That up to a certain point, exercise means increased strengths or ease in effort;
That all life is the expression of spirit;
That my spirit influences my body,
And my body influences my spirit;
That the universe to me is very beautiful, and everything and everybody in it good and beautiful when my body and my spirit are in harmonious mood;
That my thoughts are hopeful and helpful unless I am filled with fear,
And that to eliminate fear my life must be dedicated to useful work, work in which I forget myself;
That fresh air in abundance, and moderate, systematic exercise in the open air are the part of wisdom;
That I can not afford, for my own sake, to be resentful nor quick to take offense;
That happiness is a great power for good,
And that happiness is not possible without moderation and equanimity;
And that the reward which life holds out for work is not idleness nor rest, nor immunity from work, but increased capacity.
Greater difficulties, more work.
For the most part, I have become a cheerleader for business and as such I am always seeking comments and wisdom. Hubbard is currently my best source.
In the preface to his book, “The Notebook of Elbert Hubbard,” his wife, Alice, says: “Elbert Hubbard is the most positive human force of his time, is a man of genius in business, in art, in literature, in philosophy. He is an idealist, dreamer, orator, and scientist. In his knowledge of the fundamental, practical affairs of living, in business, in human interest, in education, politics and law, he seems without a competitor. He is like Jefferson in his democracy, in teaching a nation to love to govern itself and simplify all living. He is like Paine in his love for liberty and in his desire that all shall be free to act in freedom and think in freedom.”
This is only part one of her description of her husband, but you can see why I have fallen under his spell.
Another of Elbert's writings, titled “I Believe,” might fit in our thoughts. According to Elbert, the title has no standing. “Never a witness gives testimony but that he is cautioned thus, 'tell us what you know,'” but Elbert and I concur that what we believe is how we run our lives for the most part.
Here are his thoughts. “I believe” I know:
That I am here. In a world where nothing is permanent but change, and that, in degree, I, myself, can change the form of things,
And influence a few people;
And that I am influenced by these and other people;
That a certain attitude of mind and habit of action on my part will add to the peace, happiness and wellbeing of other people, And that a different thought and action on my part will bring pain and discord to others;
That if I would secure a reasonable happiness for myself, I must give out goodwill to others;
That to better my own condition I must practice mutuality;
That bodily health is necessary to continued and effective work;
That I am ruled largely by habit, that habit is a form of exercise;
That up to a certain point, exercise means increased strengths or ease in effort;
That all life is the expression of spirit;
That my spirit influences my body,
And my body influences my spirit;
That the universe to me is very beautiful, and everything and everybody in it good and beautiful when my body and my spirit are in harmonious mood;
That my thoughts are hopeful and helpful unless I am filled with fear,
And that to eliminate fear my life must be dedicated to useful work, work in which I forget myself;
That fresh air in abundance, and moderate, systematic exercise in the open air are the part of wisdom;
That I can not afford, for my own sake, to be resentful nor quick to take offense;
That happiness is a great power for good,
And that happiness is not possible without moderation and equanimity;
And that the reward which life holds out for work is not idleness nor rest, nor immunity from work, but increased capacity.
Greater difficulties, more work.