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Greetings! My name is Ian and welcome to our first ever post on Substack. Hermit Wisdom is all about quotes and stories—two of the most powerful mediums through which inspiration is delivered or conjured.
Only expect well-sourced and well-curated quotes and stories that give meaning to the mundane, amusement to the dull; stories that inject life into the lifeless, hope into the dejected and power into the weak and incapable.
We’ve all been inspired before and it’s always glorious. It’s such a drastic physical change that takes place in our bodies which it makes it hard for one to comprehend how their demeanor and mood could change in a flash. And yet, the sensation is unmistakable—the pupils dilate, tense shoulders loosen and the heart is suddenly as light as a feather and the mind is clear.
In fact, it was inspiration that had led me to continue to aim for the ideal and pursue the loftier goal despite a turbulent set of circumstances in the recent past.
I am but a modern hermit but it has become the personal quest of my life to enable the individual to draw inspiration whenever it is needed—to make that option available to as many humans as possible.
I continue to build a rich repository of only the most powerful stories and quotes that are guaranteed to provide inspiration on demand. Today, I share that with the world with three of my favorite quotes.
The first principle is that you must not fool yourself—and you are the easiest person to fool.
— Richard Feynman
Picture this: Richard Feynman, the legendary physicist with a knack for clarity, drops this gem: "The first principle is that you must not fool yourself—and you are the easiest person to fool." He wasn't just casually chatting; he was speaking to a group of students at Caltech during a famous commencement address in 1974.
Well, Feynman knew that in the vast expanse of the universe—and the complexities of human thought—we're often our own worst enemies. Our brains, brilliant as they are, can also play tricks on us. We fall for biases, cling to beliefs, and sometimes, we just don't want to see the truth.
Feynman, with his trademark wit and wisdom, reminded us to stay vigilant. Whether we're scientists probing the mysteries of the cosmos or regular folks navigating life's ups and downs, his words are a rallying cry for honesty and humility. They remind us to question our assumptions, confront our biases, and keep our minds wide open to the wonders of the world.
Be the change that you wish to see in the world.
— Mahatma Gandhi
In the early 20th century, amidst India's struggle for independence, Mahatma Gandhi's voice echoed with profound wisdom. He famously uttered the words, "Be the change that you wish to see in the world." Gandhi's message wasn't just a slogan; it was a call to personal responsibility and societal transformation. He believed in the power of individual actions to catalyze broader change. By urging people to embody their ideals, Gandhi challenged them to confront biases and foster a better world.
Today, his words remain a reminder that progress starts from within and that each of us holds the power to shape a brighter future.
Think lightly of yourself and deeply of the world.
— Miyamoto Musashi
Miyamoto Musashi's quote is dubbed by many as the greatest samurai who ever lived.
"Think lightly of yourself and deeply of the world," is a profound testament to humility and empathy. Penned in his seminal work, "The Book of Five Rings," this wisdom underscores the essence of mastery. By transcending ego and embracing humility, we open ourselves to growth and understanding. Moreover, Musashi urges us to empathize deeply with the world around us, fostering compassion and interconnectedness. In essence, his words serve as a timeless guide to personal growth and fostering a more empathetic world