One of my favorite things about writing The Deep Woods is that I get to uncover a new pearl of wisdom each week, and then I get to share my thoughts on what it means with you. I do this in the final section of this publication each week, and I must tell you that it’s my favorite weekly task. Now, this is a profound privilege for me, as I get to do what I love. And, hopefully, you get to love what I do.
This week, and next, I am presenting you with the 10 best quotes of 2024, ones that I think really hit hard, and that teach us about life, our world and our splendid place in that world. So, here are the first five of my favorite quotes of the year, in no particular order. Next week, I’ll share five more favorites, and why I love each so much.
Alright, ready, set, go!
Give Better a Chance
“Freedom is nothing else but a chance to be better.”
–Albert Camus
Even French existentialists know that freedom is essential to becoming a better human. You see, if there is freedom, there is opportunity for improvement. Conversely, if there is no freedom — there’s nothing.
Treat Your Mistress Well
“Money is a cruel mistress. If you don’t pay attention to her, she’ll leave you for someone who will.”
I stumbled across this quote while watching videos on YouTube. I guess the big-tech algorithms know that I like money and mistresses… wait, I mean, that I like money and clever quotes. Well, you know what I mean.
Now, humorous as this quote is, it makes a great point about the need to always pay attention to your money. Because if you don’t, she’ll find another sugar daddy.
A Moment of Forever
You were young enough to dream
And I was old enough to learn something new
I’m so glad I got to dance with you
For a moment of forever
–Kris Kristofferson, “Moment of Forever”
The world loses icons every day. Sadly, it’s the nature of reality. This year, we lost iconic singer/songwriter, actor and country music legend Kris Kristofferson, who died Sept. 28 at his home in Maui, Hawaii. He was 88.
As a songwriter and musician, Kristofferson’s work had a big influence on me. And though my own songwriting is in a slightly different genre, the lyrical grit and depth of his storytelling is as good as any songwriter that’s ever done it.
Just check out the lyrics for classics such as “Me and Bobby McGee,” “Help Me Make It Through the Night” and “For the Good Times,” and you’ll be instantly transported into a time, place, feeling and situation that, while likely foreign to you in detail, will be all-too familiar emotionally.
Two of my favorite Kristofferson songs actually come from his later work, and they are “This Old Road,” and the aforementioned song, “Moment of Forever.” The latter performance here is from a 2009 appearance on the TV series, “Austin City Limits,” which happens to be one of my favorite shows.
I saw this episode around the time of its original airing, and after hearing the song and feeling its power, I decided to learn it so that I could perform my own version. About a year later, I did just that at a friend’s wedding. It was powerful moment for me, and for those who attended the nuptials. It was indeed a true “moment of forever” for us all.
A Vote Never Lost
“Always vote for principle, though you may vote alone, and you may cherish the sweetest reflection that your vote is never lost.”
–John Quincy Adams
It was an election year; did you know that? I jest, of course, and though the result may have gone your way, regardless of how happy or how disappointed you might be with the outcome, remember that if your vote was principled, it was not lost. Acting on principle is always a win.
And finally, our most recent quote made the list, and it’s actually one of my favorites — not just from this year, but of all time.
What Is Life?
“What is life? It is the flash of a firefly in the night. It is the breath of a buffalo in the wintertime. It is the little shadow which runs across the green grass and loses itself in the sunset.”
–Crowfoot, Blackfoot Indian Orator
Native Americans understand that life is all about moments. And while moments, by their very nature, are evanescent, this fact in no way diminishes their importance or their beauty. And really, when you think about it, isn’t everything just one moment followed by another, followed by another?
In your next few moments, allow yourself to pause and take in the beauty of your existence. You can then take a moment to thank me for the reminder that all we really have is right now.
Next week, we’ll have Part II of my favorite quotes. But before we get there, I want to wish you a very Merry Christmas. Please celebrate as if it were your final act on earth, because one day, your final act on earth will come.
May it be brilliant.
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Gandalf’s Decision
“All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us.”
–J.R.R. Tolkien from “The Lord of the Rings,” as spoken by the character Gandalf
As we get into our 50s, 60s, 70s and beyond, it becomes clear to us that time is the most precious commodity. We all know this, but do we all act like we know this? Given our ever-dwindling paucity of days, it’s incumbent upon us to decide what to do with them — and then to do it!
You have one life, suck the marrow from its bones and feast on it.
Wisdom about money, investing and life can be found anywhere. If you have a good quote that you’d like me to share with your fellow readers, send it to me, along with any comments, questions and suggestions you have about my newsletters, seminars or anything else. Click here to ask Jim.
In the name of the best within us,
Jim Woods
