The Best Advice My Parents Ever Gave Me...

[ThirdOfFive]

This past week I spent a few days with my son up in Minnesota. During the visit we talked about (among other things) parenting. He recalled a time that his son was in high school and he and his son were working on some project or other and he imparted some wisdom to his son that HIS dad had given him.

"Son, don't ____ it up".

It got me thinking though. All joking aside, what was the best advice my parents ever gave me? I was about 15, the age when the lads of that small rural community went to work summers for local loggers and farmers. Their advice: "No matter who you work for, always remember that you agreed to to the job for a certain wage, and no matter what other people are being paid, you always do the best job you can".

It was wisdom no doubt born of the Depression, but it has stood me in good stead throughout my life. I doubt it is something that many kids hear these days, but maybe more should.

How about others? What is the best piece of advice YOUR parents gave you?

[Kenswing]

Parents also grew up during the depression.

Advice: Save first. Spend second.

[ThirdOfFive]

Parents also grew up during the depression.

Advice: Safe first. Spend second.
Bingo!

[Two Bills]

From my father after coming home with my first bloody nose and black eye after a right beating, and feeling very sorry for myself.
"If you are going to dish it out, you better learn to take it."

[Stu from NYC]

Never live paycheck to paycheck, have money in the bank

[Michael G.]

How about others? What is the best piece of advice YOUR parents gave you?


"Don't pay interest, get interest."

"It's better to ask a stupid question then to make a stupid mistake."

"To fully understand people, everyone should have their own retail business."

"Speak only when your spoken too"

"Use a firm grip when shaking someone's hand."

[manaboutown]

I was 15 years old, not taking life seriously, mostly goofing off, not applying myself at school. My father told me that he had done all he could for me and that from now on it would be up to me. By that he meant choosing whether to buckle down and make something of myself or not. It took a while but I gradually applied myself more and more to schoolwork.

[paulat585]

Wow. Thinking about this, both my parents lead by example. But, from my mother: "Listen to others." That's why I became a newspaper reporter and then a psychologist, I guess. From my father, when I was about 7 and ran home to report that my little brother was being beaten up by a 12-year-old bully: "What are you doing here? Go back up there and help him!" LOL

[jimbomaybe]

This past week I spent a few days with my son up in Minnesota. During the visit we talked about (among other things) parenting. He recalled a time that his son was in high school and he and his son were working on some project or other and he imparted some wisdom to his son that HIS dad had given him.

"Son, don't ____ it up".

It got me thinking though. All joking aside, what was the best advice my parents ever gave me? I was about 15, the age when the lads of that small rural community went to work summers for local loggers and farmers. Their advice: "No matter who you work for, always remember that you agreed to to the job for a certain wage, and no matter what other people are being paid, you always do the best job you can".

It was wisdom no doubt born of the Depression, but it has stood me in good stead throughout my life. I doubt it is something that many kids hear these days, but maybe more should.

How about others? What is the best piece of advice YOUR parents gave you?

"Live your life so you do not have to lie to anyone , You will as good a man as anyone you meet and better than most"

[John Mayes]

This past week I spent a few days with my son up in Minnesota. During the visit we talked about (among other things) parenting. He recalled a time that his son was in high school and he and his son were working on some project or other and he imparted some wisdom to his son that HIS dad had given him.

"Son, don't ____ it up".

It got me thinking though. All joking aside, what was the best advice my parents ever gave me? I was about 15, the age when the lads of that small rural community went to work summers for local loggers and farmers. Their advice: "No matter who you work for, always remember that you agreed to to the job for a certain wage, and no matter what other people are being paid, you always do the best job you can".

It was wisdom no doubt born of the Depression, but it has stood me in good stead throughout my life. I doubt it is something that many kids hear these days, but maybe more should.

How about others? What is the best piece of advice YOUR parents gave you?

Listen more, talk less.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Learn as much as possible about anything and everything, and take pride in your work no matter what kind of work it is.

[GoRedSox!]

I remember my father telling me that he was not going to weigh in on what I chose to do for a living, because that is something I have to do everyday for the next many decades and it should be my choice, not his. He continued on and told me he also would not weigh in on who I chose to marry, because that was someone I would be living with everyday and it should be my choice, not his. Still, I was happy that he liked my wife and they got along great.

Both of my parents taught me that we are all loved and created by God, and he would not make any of his creations to be less than others.

My mother taught me and she truly believed that there was good in almost everyone.

[Randall55]

On her death bed my mother told me, "Dont get old!"

Now, wait! She didn't believe I should go 6 feet under before my time. She meant to live every day to the fullest. When you are near death, the only thoughts you have are of the things you should have done. Live it up, folks! There are no second chances!

[Stu from NYC]

Leading by example my parents imparted a work ethic into me which we passed onto our kids.

[ThirdOfFive]

Leading by example my parents imparted a work ethic into me which we passed onto our kids.
Amen. Walking the walk is the best way to reinforce good advice.

[JohnN]

"stay away from fast women and slow horses"

[Stu from NYC]

"stay away from fast women and slow horses"

Where does one find a fast woman? Asking for a friend.

[Plinker]

From my Church of Christ mother:
“Don’t marry a catholic girl”.
I married a catholic girl.

Two from my father:
“Go to college”.
“Don’t get her pregnant “.
I listened to him.

No joke. This happened.

[LuvNH]

From my Mother: "Remember, everyone is replaceable.

[La lamy]

I love this thread! I learned SO MUCH from my parents, but one that sticks out is to educate/discipline yourself to do all the work that needs to be done in your life. So basically: "Paying people to do work you can do yourself is a tremendous waste of money". My dad built our home/our pool, maintained and repaired everything. They never owed anybody anything and neither did I once I got my mortgage paid off in my late 30's.

[Teed_Off]

Two memorable quotes: “Life isn’t fair”. And ”Respect everyone”.

If you are a non-believer of the first quote, I would ask “how is that working for you?”

[Debfrommaine]

Always have good table manners and do not pick up your fork until everyone is seated at the table.

[Debfrommaine]

I asked my folks if I could borrow a thousand bucks once...and only once. They thanked me for asking and said I could get a second job. I did....

[KAM+6]

My dad said ,to me many times, " learn as much as you can, you never know when you need to fall back on it."

[Decadeofdave]

Dad: work hard, play hard and
Get your work done first then you can play.

[manaboutown]

I advised my children life is not fair and you need to play the hand that is dealt to you.

[Taltarzac725]

"Do not let the door hit you on the way out".

Not really as I kept on coming back to them after move-after-move on all our parts. Or sent to help other family members.

I am here in the Villages but have four degrees (B.A., B.A., M.A., J.D.,) earned in three states while going to school in five states-- Nevada, Utah, Colorado, California, and Minnesota. And received nominations to around 24 various Marquis Who's Who volumes of their different titles and editions while doing work from out of a dresser at first. Also did a lot of volunteering of different kinds as well as many odd jobs. I did move the work to a desk and other items. But I was using knowledge earned while getting those degrees with respect to whom to contact and while also getting all kinds of good pointers from people who had responded.

Some of the people I also phoned and they phoned back but these were usually friends of my parents or people met through them like the late Mills Lane who used to play bridge with my parents.

[ehendersonjr]

This past week I spent a few days with my son up in Minnesota. During the visit we talked about (among other things) parenting. He recalled a time that his son was in high school and he and his son were working on some project or other and he imparted some wisdom to his son that HIS dad had given him.

"Son, don't ____ it up".

It got me thinking though. All joking aside, what was the best advice my parents ever gave me? I was about 15, the age when the lads of that small rural community went to work summers for local loggers and farmers. Their advice: "No matter who you work for, always remember that you agreed to to the job for a certain wage, and no matter what other people are being paid, you always do the best job you can".

It was wisdom no doubt born of the Depression, but it has stood me in good stead throughout my life. I doubt it is something that many kids hear these days, but maybe more should.

How about others? What is the best piece of advice YOUR parents gave you?

When anyone tells you, “It can’t be done,” what they really mean is “I can’t do it.” Don’t let their limitations define you.

[Marmaduke]

Both of my parents led by example, but were also very philosophic. It was Priceless.
I could write a book on what they passed on to us. Evidently, some of it stuck.

Have faith. Always have God in your life.

Stop. Look. Listen.
Enjoy nature everyday. Go sit in the woods and wait for the deer to come down around 5. Watch carefully and quietly. You'll learn more there than from the nuns. lol

Know your opportunities when they present themselves, but don't become an opportunist.

Pay attention to current events. Know the world around you.

Not everyone is where you are, at the moment.

Be compassionate.

Talk to old people. You'll learn a lot from them.

Laugh, and the world laughs with you. Cry, and you cry alone.

Bullies always meet their match.

That that is, is. That that is not, is not. Is that it? It is?

Be a Leader, not a follower.

If (name friend) jumped off the bridge, would you?

Do a good job. Always follow through! Don't just stand around at work, find productive things to do, if you finish early.

Don't hang around the bad kids. If they end up in trouble, you could be an accomplice even though you didn't do anything wrong.

It was endless good advice often dished out at the dinner table for family conversation and enjoyment while sitting down and eating as a family.

[Black Beauty]

The best advice is the advice asked for

[MidWestIA]

I used to do computer projects so if they were wrong it wouldn't work right. When I got a new BIG project I'd get anxious looking at doing it. So I'd say I am just going to rough it out and do a first cut of it. Then I'll come back and tighten it up and see things that make it better. And the next day things would pop in my head making a big improvement.

That takes the pressure off

[ThirdOfFive]

Both of my parents led by example, but were also very philosophic. It was Priceless.
I could write a book on what they passed on to us. Evidently, some of it stuck.

Have faith. Always have God in your life.

Stop. Look. Listen.
Enjoy nature everyday. Go sit in the woods and wait for the deer to come down around 5. Watch carefully and quietly. You'll learn more there than from the nuns. lol

Know your opportunities when they present themselves, but don't become an opportunist.

Pay attention to current events. Know the world around you.

Not everyone is where you are, at the moment.

Be compassionate.

Talk to old people. You'll learn a lot from them.

Laugh, and the world laughs with you. Cry, and you cry alone.

Bullies always meet their match.

That that is, is. That that is not, is not. Is that it? It is?

Be a Leader, not a follower.

If (name friend) jumped off the bridge, would you?

Do a good job. Always follow through! Don't just stand around at work, find productive things to do, if you finish early.

Don't hang around the bad kids. If they end up in trouble, you could be an accomplice even though you didn't do anything wrong.

It was endless good advice often dished out at the dinner table for family conversation and enjoyment while sitting down and eating as a family.
"If (name friend) jumped off the bridge, would you?"

Lol. How many of us have heard that?

I certainly did. I refer to it as the "third grade defense"...I was about eight and was in trouble for something or other. My "defense" was that my brother Jim did it too. "If Jim jumped off a bridge" Dad said sternly, "would you do it too"?

Message received and understood. Two wrongs don't make a "right".

The scary thing is that we hear that "defense" in some form or other so often these days--from supposed adults.

[Dlbonivich]

Everybody puts their pants on the same way as you. We did not have as much as others around us, but we were just as good.

[nn0wheremann]

This past week I spent a few days with my son up in Minnesota. During the visit we talked about (among other things) parenting. He recalled a time that his son was in high school and he and his son were working on some project or other and he imparted some wisdom to his son that HIS dad had given him.

"Son, don't ____ it up".

It got me thinking though. All joking aside, what was the best advice my parents ever gave me? I was about 15, the age when the lads of that small rural community went to work summers for local loggers and farmers. Their advice: "No matter who you work for, always remember that you agreed to to the job for a certain wage, and no matter what other people are being paid, you always do the best job you can".

It was wisdom no doubt born of the Depression, but it has stood me in good stead throughout my life. I doubt it is something that many kids hear these days, but maybe more should.

How about others? What is the best piece of advice YOUR parents gave you?
Pay yourself first.

[rickaslin]

"Don't pay interest, get interest."

"It's better to ask a stupid question then to make a stupid mistake."

"To fully understand people, everyone should have their own retail business."

"Speak only when your spoken too"

"Use a firm grip when shaking someone's hand."

I hope you don't mind but I am going to steal a couple of your quotes, great advice!!!!

[NotGolfer]

I too grew up in Minnesota....I was told repeatedly that when I was out with my friends to mind what I was doing because "someone" will see me. My dad was well-known in the community and then with the advice I was told, "you are known by who your dad is AND you will be known by the company you keep so choose the friends wisely."

My parents too were young-marrieds through the depression (I was born later) but imparted the thrift they'd learned to us kids.

[Larchap49]

This past week I spent a few days with my son up in Minnesota. During the visit we talked about (among other things) parenting. He recalled a time that his son was in high school and he and his son were working on some project or other and he imparted some wisdom to his son that HIS dad had given him.

"Son, don't ____ it up".

It got me thinking though. All joking aside, what was the best advice my parents ever gave me? I was about 15, the age when the lads of that small rural community went to work summers for local loggers and farmers. Their advice: "No matter who you work for, always remember that you agreed to to the job for a certain wage, and no matter what other people are being paid, you always do the best job you can".

It was wisdom no doubt born of the Depression, but it has stood me in good stead throughout my life. I doubt it is something that many kids hear these days, but maybe more should.

How about others? What is the best piece of advice YOUR parents gave you?

When negotiating whether for a purchase or for wages make your offer and shut up because the next person to speak is usually going to be the loser. Also be careful because if you get a girl pregnant you are either going to live with her or pay her for the next 21 years.

[JohnN]

Where does one find a fast woman? Asking for a friend.

Stu, tell your friend that I really don't know, never saw one, never caught one.
I did however, in my youth, bet on quite a few slow horses.

[ron32162]

Never spend tomorrows money

[Zenmama18]

My dad always said, "Education is the one thing that can never be taken away from you!"

[Mrfriendly]

nothing good happens after midnight“

[JWGifford]

This past week I spent a few days with my son up in Minnesota. During the visit we talked about (among other things) parenting. He recalled a time that his son was in high school and he and his son were working on some project or other and he imparted some wisdom to his son that HIS dad had given him.

"Son, don't ____ it up".

It got me thinking though. All joking aside, what was the best advice my parents ever gave me? I was about 15, the age when the lads of that small rural community went to work summers for local loggers and farmers. Their advice: "No matter who you work for, always remember that you agreed to to the job for a certain wage, and no matter what other people are being paid, you always do the best job you can".

It was wisdom no doubt born of the Depression, but it has stood me in good stead throughout my life. I doubt it is something that many kids hear these days, but maybe more should.

How about others? What is the best piece of advice YOUR parents gave you?
“Don’t argue with the police officer. Argue with the judge”

[Stu from NYC]

One of the all time best threads on totv

[Rison2242]

“If you always tell the truth you never have to remember what you said.”

“You can tell a person’s respect in general by the way they handle money.”

“Birds of a feather flock together.”

“It’s better to be respected than liked.”

“Always say please and thank you.”

“Eat with your mouth closed.”

“Because I said so.”

[scooterstang]

If you get thrown in jail "I ain't commin to bail you out" I also grew up in MN born at St. Josephs Hosp.

Another one "only dogs get mad"

And my favorite " Don't sweat the petty things, just pet the sweaty things"

[Elixir34]

[QUOTE=Randall55;2253640]On her death bed my mother told me, "Dont get old!"

“Growing old is not for sissies.”
~ Jimmy Buffett ~

[Nevinator]

One of the most unusual pieces of advice I ever received was from my grandmother.

My grandmother died in 1975, but her birthday is coming up and that always causes me to reminisce about the time what we spent together when I was a youngster...

The long walks we used to take to the local grocery store near her home in a small town in northern NJ, the quarters she gave me for meaningless jobs like pulling weeds or washing the sidewalk…

Those gems were all good, but the one I remember most, the jewel in the crown of grandmotherly advice, occurred when I was about 15 years old. We were sitting in a park on a beautiful Spring day having just finished collecting about 40 soda bottles to be returned for the deposit money. She told me that one day, I would find a wonderful woman and start my own family. “And remember always this thing,” she said. “Be sure you marry a woman with small hands.” “How come, Grandma?” I asked her. She answered in her soft voice.. “It makes your *!@* look bigger.”

[lynnschindel]

My father always said, "If you start a job, finish it and do it right."

Mom said, "Never charge anything that you can't pay off when the bill comes."

And I told my daughter, "Get your education, because you should never depend on a man (or anyone)to put food on the table or a roof over your head."

[Jerry101]

Our family was in Sunday School and church every Sunday … it provided a firm Christian foundation for all of us … even to today.

But my dad’s economic advise was simple and it to has served me well. It was; ‘If you make a dollar, don’t spend a dollar-five.’

[margaretmattson]

My mother advised me to never tell your employers all the things you are capable of doing. They will expect more from you and usually without extra pay.

[smd9139]

Never do anything unless you are willing to accept the consequences of your actions.

[Stu from NYC]

One of the most unusual pieces of advice I ever received was from my grandmother.

My grandmother died in 1975, but her birthday is coming up and that always causes me to reminisce about the time what we spent together when I was a youngster...

The long walks we used to take to the local grocery store near her home in a small town in northern NJ, the quarters she gave me for meaningless jobs like pulling weeds or washing the sidewalk…

Those gems were all good, but the one I remember most, the jewel in the crown of grandmotherly advice, occurred when I was about 15 years old. We were sitting in a park on a beautiful Spring day having just finished collecting about 40 soda bottles to be returned for the deposit money. She told me that one day, I would find a wonderful woman and start my own family. “And remember always this thing,” she said. “Be sure you marry a woman with small hands.” “How come, Grandma?” I asked her. She answered in her soft voice.. “It makes your *!@* look bigger.”

love that last sentence

[Ecuadog]

At a wedding anniversary dinner for my grandparents, my slightly tipsy grandfather revealed his secret to getting along with women. I was15 at the time. He told me, "Yes them to death and do what you please."

Occasionally, I wish that I had taken his advice.

[Lea N]

Never make a promise you aren't going to keep.

[Randall55]

At a wedding anniversary dinner for my grandparents, my slightly tipsy grandfather revealed his secret to getting along with women. I was15 at the time. He told me, "Yes them to death and do what you please."

Occasionally, I wish that I had taken his advice.Which don't you do? Yes them to death? Do as you please? or both?

[Ecuadog]

At a wedding anniversary dinner for my grandparents, my slightly tipsy grandfather revealed his secret to getting along with women. I was15 at the time. He told me, "Yes them to death and do what you please."

Occasionally, I wish that I had taken his advice.

Which don't you do? Yes them to death? Do as you please? or both?

Yes them to death. Occasionally, extreme duress or strongly suggested, sober reconsideration might alter my original plans.

[manaboutown]

My mother advised me to never tell your employers all the things you are capable of doing. They will expect more from you and usually without extra pay.

Sounds like a great way to get passed over when it comes to pay raises and promotions while your hard working and dedicated fellow employees get both raises and promotions.

[Randall55]

Sounds like a great way to get passed over when it comes to pay raises and promotions while your hard working and dedicated fellow employees get both raises and promotions. Or, a great way to do the job you were hired to do to the best of your ability. This would allow you time to shine and get noticed.

Doing the job others
were hired to do is a foolish pursuit. You are allowing a coworker to take credit for something you did. Who will get the raise? The one who earned it or the one who stole it?

[oneclickplus]

This past week I spent a few days with my son up in Minnesota. During the visit we talked about (among other things) parenting. He recalled a time that his son was in high school and he and his son were working on some project or other and he imparted some wisdom to his son that HIS dad had given him.

"Son, don't ____ it up".

It got me thinking though. All joking aside, what was the best advice my parents ever gave me? I was about 15, the age when the lads of that small rural community went to work summers for local loggers and farmers. Their advice: "No matter who you work for, always remember that you agreed to to the job for a certain wage, and no matter what other people are being paid, you always do the best job you can".

It was wisdom no doubt born of the Depression, but it has stood me in good stead throughout my life. I doubt it is something that many kids hear these days, but maybe more should.

How about others? What is the best piece of advice YOUR parents gave you?

It isn't how much you make ... it's how much you don't spend. Learn to do it yourself and only pay others when necessary.

[Altavia]

Colin Powell Quotes

1. "Don't bother people for help without first trying to solve the problem yourself."

2. "Always focus on the front windshield and not the rearview mirror."

3. "No battle plan survives contact with the enemy."

4. "Organization charts and fancy titles count for next to nothing."

5. "It's a disgrace that we have millions of people who are uninsured."

6. "Never let your ego get so close to your position that when your position goes, your ego goes with it."

7. "If you are going to achieve excellence in big things, you develop the habit in little matters. Excellence is not an exception, it is a prevailing attitude."


8. "The chief condition on which, life, health and vigor depend on, is action. It is by action that an organism develops its faculties, increases its energy, and attains the fulfillment of its destiny."

9. "Just as they did in Philadelphia when they were writing the constitution, sooner or later, you've got to compromise. You've got to start making the compromises that arrive at a consensus and move the country forward."


10. "War should be the politics of last resort."

11. "Experts often possess more data than judgment."

12. "In other words, don't expect to always be great. Disappointments, failures and setbacks are a normal part of the lifecycle of a unit or a company and what the leader has to do is constantly be up and say, 'We have a problem, let's go and get it.'"

13. "f a leader doesn't convey passion and intensity then there will be no passion and intensity within the organization and they'll start to fall down and get depressed."


14. "Trying to get everyone to like you is a sign of mediocrity."

15. "I try to be the same person I was yesterday."Colin Powell: Why We Serve

16. "When we go to war, we should have a purpose that our people understand and support."

17. "Success is the result of perfection, hard work, learning from failure, loyalty to those for whom you work, and persistence."


18. "Politics is not bean bags. It's serious, tough stuff."

19. "We need to understand that we as citizens and as a government in any community throughout this country have no more important obligation than to educate those who are going to replace us."

20. "The ties that bind us are stronger than the occasional stresses that separate us."

21. "Surround yourself with people who take their work seriously, but not themselves."

22. "It takes more courage to send men into battle than to fight the battle yourself."

23. "If you get the dirty end of the stick, sharpen it and turn it into a useful tool."

24. "I think whether you're having setbacks or not, the role of a leader is to always display a winning attitude."

25. "Look at the world. There is no pure competitor to the United States of America."

26. "Never neglect details."

27. "When everyone's mind is dulled or distracted the leader must be doubly vigilant."

28. "Keep looking below surface appearances. Don't shrink from doing so just because you might not like what you find."

29. "Wouldn't it be great if we could look forward to a whole world in which no child will be left behind?"

30. "Get mad, then get over it."

31. "It ain't as bad as you think. It will look better in the morning."

32. "The healthiest competition occurs when average people win by putting above average effort."

33. "I'm not perfect, but I'll be the creator of perfection."

34. "We can seldom get our children to do what we tell them, but they almost never fail to imitate us."

35. "Being responsible sometimes means ****ing people off."

36. "The commander in the field is always right and the rear echelon is wrong, unless proved otherwise."

37. "Giving back involves a certain amount of giving up."

38. "Leadership is solving problems. The day soldiers stop bringing you their problems is the day you have stopped leading them. They have either lost confidence that you can help or concluded you do not care. Either case is a failure of leadership."

39. "You can't just have slogans, you can't just have catchy phrases. You have to have an agenda."

40. "There are no secrets to success. Don't waste time looking for them."

41. "Don't be afraid to challenge the pros, even in their own backyard."

42. "It isn't enough just to scream at the Occupy Wall Street demonstrations. We need our political system to start reflect this anger back into, 'How do we fix it? How do we get the economy going again?'"

43. "Ninety percent of my time is spent on 10% of the world."

44. "Have fun in your command. Don't always run at a breakneck pace. Take leave when you've earned it, spend time with your families."

45. "Great leaders are almost always great simplifiers who can cut through the argument debate and doubt to offer a solution everybody can understand."

46. "Today I can declare my hope and declare it from the bottom of my heart that we will eventually see the time when that number of nuclear weapons is down to zero and the world is a much better place."

47. "You don't know what you can get away with until you try."

48. "Perpetual optimism is a force multiplier."

49. "Bad news isn't wine. It doesn't improve with age."

50. "I don't want to spend the rest of my life giving speeches."

[margaretmattson]

Colin Powell Quotes

1. "Don't bother people for help without first trying to solve the problem yourself."

2. "Always focus on the front windshield and not the rearview mirror."

3. "No battle plan survives contact with the enemy."

4. "Organization charts and fancy titles count for next to nothing."

5. "It's a disgrace that we have millions of people who are uninsured."

6. "Never let your ego get so close to your position that when your position goes, your ego goes with it."

7. "If you are going to achieve excellence in big things, you develop the habit in little matters. Excellence is not an exception, it is a prevailing attitude."


8. "The chief condition on which, life, health and vigor depend on, is action. It is by action that an organism develops its faculties, increases its energy, and attains the fulfillment of its destiny."

9. "Just as they did in Philadelphia when they were writing the constitution, sooner or later, you've got to compromise. You've got to start making the compromises that arrive at a consensus and move the country forward."


10. "War should be the politics of last resort."

11. "Experts often possess more data than judgment."

12. "In other words, don't expect to always be great. Disappointments, failures and setbacks are a normal part of the lifecycle of a unit or a company and what the leader has to do is constantly be up and say, 'We have a problem, let's go and get it.'"

13. "f a leader doesn't convey passion and intensity then there will be no passion and intensity within the organization and they'll start to fall down and get depressed."


14. "Trying to get everyone to like you is a sign of mediocrity."

15. "I try to be the same person I was yesterday."Colin Powell: Why We Serve

16. "When we go to war, we should have a purpose that our people understand and support."

17. "Success is the result of perfection, hard work, learning from failure, loyalty to those for whom you work, and persistence."


18. "Politics is not bean bags. It's serious, tough stuff."

19. "We need to understand that we as citizens and as a government in any community throughout this country have no more important obligation than to educate those who are going to replace us."

20. "The ties that bind us are stronger than the occasional stresses that separate us."

21. "Surround yourself with people who take their work seriously, but not themselves."

22. "It takes more courage to send men into battle than to fight the battle yourself."

23. "If you get the dirty end of the stick, sharpen it and turn it into a useful tool."

24. "I think whether you're having setbacks or not, the role of a leader is to always display a winning attitude."

25. "Look at the world. There is no pure competitor to the United States of America."

26. "Never neglect details."

27. "When everyone's mind is dulled or distracted the leader must be doubly vigilant."

28. "Keep looking below surface appearances. Don't shrink from doing so just because you might not like what you find."

29. "Wouldn't it be great if we could look forward to a whole world in which no child will be left behind?"

30. "Get mad, then get over it."

31. "It ain't as bad as you think. It will look better in the morning."

32. "The healthiest competition occurs when average people win by putting above average effort."

33. "I'm not perfect, but I'll be the creator of perfection."

34. "We can seldom get our children to do what we tell them, but they almost never fail to imitate us."

35. "Being responsible sometimes means ****ing people off."

36. "The commander in the field is always right and the rear echelon is wrong, unless proved otherwise."

37. "Giving back involves a certain amount of giving up."

38. "Leadership is solving problems. The day soldiers stop bringing you their problems is the day you have stopped leading them. They have either lost confidence that you can help or concluded you do not care. Either case is a failure of leadership."

39. "You can't just have slogans, you can't just have catchy phrases. You have to have an agenda."

40. "There are no secrets to success. Don't waste time looking for them."

41. "Don't be afraid to challenge the pros, even in their own backyard."

42. "It isn't enough just to scream at the Occupy Wall Street demonstrations. We need our political system to start reflect this anger back into, 'How do we fix it? How do we get the economy going again?'"

43. "Ninety percent of my time is spent on 10% of the world."

44. "Have fun in your command. Don't always run at a breakneck pace. Take leave when you've earned it, spend time with your families."

45. "Great leaders are almost always great simplifiers who can cut through the argument debate and doubt to offer a solution everybody can understand."

46. "Today I can declare my hope and declare it from the bottom of my heart that we will eventually see the time when that number of nuclear weapons is down to zero and the world is a much better place."

47. "You don't know what you can get away with until you try."

48. "Perpetual optimism is a force multiplier."

49. "Bad news isn't wine. It doesn't improve with age."

50. "I don't want to spend the rest of my life giving speeches." Wow! Sounds like someone had interesting talks at the dinner table while growing up. Or, Colin Powell was your family hero. Either way, cool information.

[patfla06]

nothing good happens after midnight“

This one must be universal but they were right.

Said it to us and I said it to my Son too.

[scooterstang]

When I first got my job at the USPS my dad took me aside and said they will work a good horse to death and leave the donkeys alone. I am sorry to say that I did not heed his advice and worked my ass off while other employees would hide or not even show up! I was getting paid to do a job and that is what I was going to do, but after two rotator cuff operations I had to slow down a bit.

[wisbad1]

"don't pay interest, get interest."

"it's better to ask a stupid question then to make a stupid mistake."

"to fully understand people, everyone should have their own retail business."

"speak only when your spoken too"

"use a firm grip when shaking someone's hand."
duck!!!!!!

[Gpsma]

My Mother..

You reap what you sow.

Never spend more than you make and always have cash in reserve

[ThirdOfFive]

At a wedding anniversary dinner for my grandparents, my slightly tipsy grandfather revealed his secret to getting along with women. I was15 at the time. He told me, "Yes them to death and do what you please."

Occasionally, I wish that I had taken his advice.
Not too unlike the advice I gave my son some years ago:

"Son, sometimes the best thing you can be with a woman is...wrong."

[ThirdOfFive]

One of the most unusual pieces of advice I ever received was from my grandmother.

My grandmother died in 1975, but her birthday is coming up and that always causes me to reminisce about the time what we spent together when I was a youngster...

The long walks we used to take to the local grocery store near her home in a small town in northern NJ, the quarters she gave me for meaningless jobs like pulling weeds or washing the sidewalk…

Those gems were all good, but the one I remember most, the jewel in the crown of grandmotherly advice, occurred when I was about 15 years old. We were sitting in a park on a beautiful Spring day having just finished collecting about 40 soda bottles to be returned for the deposit money. She told me that one day, I would find a wonderful woman and start my own family. “And remember always this thing,” she said. “Be sure you marry a woman with small hands.” “How come, Grandma?” I asked her. She answered in her soft voice.. “It makes your *!@* look bigger.”
Lol! Priceless.

I remember my sainted Grandmother on my mother's side. She died in 1975 after a long and sometimes turbulent life. I'll always remember a dinner we had about 1972 or so with her, my Grandfather, and some other family members. Somehow the topic of marriage came up. I'll always remember her comment: "I'll never understand why any woman would marry a man without living with him for at least a year first!"

[Ecuadog]

I remember my sainted grandmother on my mother's side telling me, "If you're getting stiff in the joints, stay out of those joints."

[Caymus]

Not my parent's, but an uncle once told me: "Don't buy the cow when the milk is free"

[jebartle]

Wow! Sounds like someone had interesting talks at the dinner table while growing up. Or, Colin Powell was your family hero. Either way, cool information.

Colin Powell would have been a great President