You may never understand

"You may never understand, but you can always try to do better" - Thoughts kept

Goes for studying, as well as for people. It's hard, but keep trying. 

The world is now

"The world is now" - Sister

It's supposed to be "The future is now" but you could say the world is now too. We shouldn't take it for granted. 

How many pixels does the world have?

"How many pixels does the world have?" - Sister

She was about 8, I was explaining to her how cameras and screens work. She threw this question at me and I couldn't help but think it was just adorable. 

-- Update - 21/Mar/2021

"Ochocientosmil millones de pixeles. Eso es aproximadamente lo que tiene la totalidad de la telaraña de fotografías que conforman Google Earth." - Dross, Una imagen siniestra de Google Maps

Make your own luck

"You have to make your own luck." - Unknown

You can read on this with a quick Google search, but it basically means: Be outgoing, be flexible, try new things, help other people, tend to your social relationships. Luck will find you. 

Fake love

"To be at peace you first have to accept she's not for you. It's a fake love but a love that works." Thoughts kept

Life is not fair

"Life is not fair. Life shouldn't be fair. We should be fair." - Thoughts kept

Because life is not a sentient being, things just happen. We are the ones with the power to decide what is fair, with the power to decide to make things fair. 

Sometimes people pretend you're a bad person

"Sometimes people pretend you're a bad person so they don't feel guilty for the things they did to you." - Unknown

Looking for a black cat in a dark room that isn't there

"It's like looking for a black cat in a dark room that isn't there" - Grandad

It's basically "Like searching for a needle in a haystack" but more fun to imagine. 

Equilibrium

"What if we were intentionally designed by the universe to like equilibrium and order?" - Thoughts kept

This comes from the knowledge that the universe advances towards a state of equilibrium. Heat is constantly being transfered to a colder object, objects in motion are trying to reach a state of rest, etc.

Can't remember the full theory, but I know there's some truth to this. 

Sincerity without empathy is cruelty

"Sincerity without empathy is cruelty" - Thoughts kept 

There's similar versions of this. 

"Honesty without compassion is cruelty" - Bruce Kasanoff 

Honesty is the best policy, but always be careful with your use of words. 

Justice without mercy is just revenge

"Justice without mercy is just revenge" - Thoughts kept

My version of:

"Justice without mercy is cruelty" - Thomas Aquinas.

Sometimes you might want things to be fair, you might want to impart some justice by your own hand. That's ok. Just remember this before you do anything.

Types of regret

"I was wrong" 

I accept my mistake, and recognize I've caused harm. 

"I'm sorry" 

Regret, remorse. I feel bad for my actions and the harm I've caused. 

"I repent" 

True repentance requires change on your part. Repentance requires action as well. You must try to make right all the wrongs you have done (what does that even mean?). Regret and remorse come free. To repent is a lot rougher.

"I won't do it again" 

I recognize I was wrong, and promise not to do it again.

Good vs bad

Maybe people aren't good or bad. 

Sometimes people do bad things without noticing. 

Sometimes people make mistakes. 

Sometimes there was no other option. 

Sometimes we can't understand their reasons. 

An act in your own benefit is not bad, unless you're harming someone. 

"Respect for the rights of others is peace" - Benito Juárez 

"Your rights end when mine begin" - John B. Finch

Post-mortem dreaming

"After death, there is a... very... long... dream..." - Thoughts kept

I keep a record of my strongest and most meaningful dreams. Now, as an atheist, thinking about life after death can be dreadful. That's why I want to think that, after death, you'll just keep dreaming forever. The best part is, during dreams, you hardly ever concern yourself about your waking life. You wouldn't even know you're dead.

What is normal for the spider is chaos for the fly

"What is normal for the spider is chaos for the fly." - Morticia from Addams Family.

I love this quote.

"Things are never good or bad, they just are." - Thoughts kept

I try to remember this when I see things that seem unfair and are out of my control. Sometime you need to see things from a different perspective.

We'll cross that bridge when we get to it

"We'll cross that bridge when we get to it." - Unknown

I apply this often. I know there's things to worry about, but I'd rather focus on what's going on right now. Kinda relates to I prefer it the hard way. Some times I worry in advance. Most of the time, I don't.

To forgive is to remember

He can't forgive himself. Sometimes he wants to, and is willing to suffer for what he did. Not that he hates himself, just as a sort of payment. 

It wasn't that bad. There's physical, verbal and psychological harm. If he ever hurt physically, it wasn't worse than a bruise. He probably never hurt verbally. Psychological harm? Mild. 

He only accepts part of the guilt. Most psychological harm came from the fear of what she would say or do if she found out. She's caused much more harm than him. No doubt most of the fear came from her. Supposedly she harmed with a purpose, and him to please himself.

He'd probably do it again.

I prefer it the hard way

"If there is currently an easy way to do something, I think 'I don't want to do it this way, I want to do it the proper way because this way will not work forever'." - Thoughts kept

This is my way of thinking, but it can be healthier to take it the other way around. 

To think of a random example: You go to the supermarket in the new city you're living in. Something you always buy is on sale, really close to the entrance. Do you take it now or do you search the store to see where it is usually located?

It's like a gift because I forgot

"It's like a gift because I forgot." - Old meme

I know you've had that feeling. You found some money in your pockets, or you rewatch a really old series, or you go to the kitchen because you're craving a double bologna cheese sandwich only to find out you already made it.

Stop hating

"Hate you? As if you were so important." - Thoughts kept

A conversation that obviously happened in my head. I've mentioned how "It hurts less when you don't care." But don't hate, that requires way more energy than someone usually deserves. 

If you don't know, hate means active strong feelings for someone who has hurt you. It's a waste of time and mental energy you spend into someone that probably isn't even thinking about you and is enjoying life right now. It's similar to love, but I know you wouldn't mind if that person isn't even thinking about you because you're grateful they simply exist.

Paying for the mistakes of our ancestors

"Some believe that it's unfair to pay for the mistakes of our ancestors. I think it's fair. Many of our mistakes will be paid for by our descendants." - Thoughts kept

This applies for parent's and children, but also for society and the environment. That does not mean you shouldn't worry about the consequences of your actions. Our ancestors also tried to leave a better future for us, you could do the same.

The only good reason to lie

"The only good reason to lie is when you are doing it to protect someone." - Thoughts kept

I can't lie to save my life. I'm just used to tell the truth, most of the time people will go easier on you for a harsh truth than for lying. But I will always try to lie if I do it to protect someone.

Build a thousand bridges

"Build a thousand bridges but suck one dick, you'll not be called a bridge builder." - Old joke

This just talks about how the world sees you. It kinda relates to:

"People will judge you not for the 99 things you do right but for the 1 thing you did wrong." - Old saying

My advice would be, don't try to keep people happy, it never works. Do what makes you genuinely happy. 

Necessity inspires creativity

"Necessity inspires creativity." - Thoughts kept

My version of "Necessity is the mother of invention." - Plato

I'm consider myself both an artist and an inventor, and you also need some creativity to make inventions.

Plan for the worst, hope for the best

"Plan for the worst, hope for the best." - Lee Child, probably.

It's good to be prepared, but don't be tormented by the thought.

Other similar thoughts:

"I never leave home in high spirits because nothing would be more depressing than leaving home in high spirits and getting hit by a bus on the next block." - Thoughts kept

"Always expect the worst. If the worst happens, you won't be disappointed. If the best happens, awesome!" - Unknown

"Expect the worst and you'll never be let down." - Unkown

One way to measure the time I've spent in one place

"I guess one way to measure the time I've spent in one place is the extent to which I have become attached to the people around me." - Thoughts kept

Doesn't mean much other than: staying in one place for too long will make you grow attached to the people around you. I'm not saying it is bad to like people... I just wish it was easier to let go.

We never lose our demons

"We never lose our demons, we only learn to live above them." - The Ancient One from Doctor Strange

It's a pretty solid quote. If you don't know, our "demons" are the thoughts that torment us, our fears, our addictions, our regrets. You would think one should be able to eventually defeat their own demons, but you can't, that's why they're "demons". They don't die, they can't be defeated, but you can become stronger than them, "live above them".

Authoritarianism is the poor concept of leadership

"Authoritarianism is the poor concept of leadership" - Manuel

I don't even remember who Manuel is, and I hate his fancy use of words. He simply meant that you boss people around when you're not smart enough to be a good leader and actually convince people to work for mutual benefit. It's good advice, just needs better phrasing.

It hurts less when you don't care

"It hurts less when you don't care" - Robert Chase from Doctor House

It's pessimistic, but I kind of live by this advice. He was talking about how he decided to intentionally hate his father so he wouldn't feel bad for being let down, and also for eventually losing him. Many of us have done the same, stop caring about someone we love to prevent getting hurt. There might be a better approach to this, but until then...

Being an introvert is weapon

"Being an introvert is a weapon" - Margarita

Margarita was a really nice landlord in the first place I lived alone. She explained that no one really knows your intentions when you don't share much about yourself. 

Watch your mouth

"I've spent all my life watching every word that comes out of my mouth. Maybe that's why I'm so quiet." - Thoughts kept

I had strict parents, and I'm thankful. I consider myself a good and educated person. Yet, that also made me very introvert. Sometimes I wish I had the courage to really express myself.

Definition of insanity

"Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results." - Unknown

Wrongly attributed to Albert Einstein. It is very true, though. You can get so focused on something that you don't realize you're doing the same thing over and over. I really like this quote because it also applies the idea of lateral thinking.

Returning to a place that remains unchanged

"There is nothing like returning to a place that remains unchanged to find the ways in which you yourself have altered." - Nelson Mandela

This one doesn't speak much to me since I feel as if it's the other way around for me. I haven't changed much in my way of thinking, yet everything seems to be constantly changing wherever I go.

The circumstances of one's birth are irrelevant

"I see now that the circumstances of one's birth are irrelevant. It is what you do with the gift of life that determines who you are." - Mewtwo from Pokémon: The First Movie

This quote is about discrimination, and it doesn't speak much to me since, luckily, I haven't had to deal with it much in my life. I think it's a great quote nonetheless.

All news is good news

"All news is good news." - Thoughts kept

I know they actually say "No news is good news." This means that usually not hearing back from someone means all is going well. 

My quote is instead based on a saying over here that goes "No hay mal que por bien no venga." That roughly translates to "There's no bad that for good doesn't come". It has weird phrasing, but it just means that all bad things happen for a good reason. 

You could also say that "Knowledge is power." In that case, any news is good news.

My way to get ahead in life?

Let others step over me, help them get what they want. Follow orders, make people feel important. Be that one guy that always does what is told, never gets in trouble. In few words: Win people, they will get you ahead.

-----

Don't follow this advice unless you know what you're doing. You need to be humble, patient, a little lazy, and a little lucky. It's just the way I am and I don't even like it that much.

Famous last words

"Machines don't make mistakes." - Unknown

Just a random thought. Of course machines don't make mistakes, but humans do, and machines are built by humans. To trust a machine is ultimately to trust a human.

Put a smile on their faces

"I don't want to be a clown or a comedian, but if I can make people laugh, put a smile on their faces... I think in the end this will have been a life that was worth living." - Thoughts kept

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Every now and then we ponder: "What is the meaning of life?" Making others happy might not be it, but I think it's a strong candidate.

What is normal?

"Don't force people with different beliefs, learn from their ways. Now, don't do what they do. Accept them and do what you think is right." - Thoughts kept

Some eat frogs... some send their kids to get the beers... some eat too much lemon...

Sometimes things aren't good or bad, they just are. Also remember that:

"What is normal for the spider is chaos for the fly." - Charles Addams

No one ever told me what to do

"No one ever told me what to do." - Thoughts kept

Sounds really cool, but also kinda sad. 

Get it? Cool, because you can do what you want. Sad, because you're on your own.

Take the first chance

"If you need something and you'll have many opportunities, always take the first one. Not only you take a weight off your shoulders, you also avoid delays in case the next or last opportunities don't work out." - Thoughts kept

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This will be useful mostly when you're out shopping, but I like to think you can apply this to life opportunities too.

It's not a goodbye...

"It's not a goodbye, it's a see you later." - Unknown

It's a silly quote from some cartoon probably, but it made me really self-conscious when I was younger. Now "adiós" has a really strong meaning for me and I can't say it lightly, like the words "love" and "hate" for some people.

Don't overshare your problems

"When you're with someone, forget for a moment about all the bad and stressful things going on in your life. Focus on this moment, on this person and your relationship. They have their own problems and worries, it wouldn't be nice to burden them with your own." - Thoughts kept

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Unless, of course, if they're worried about you and ask you about it. 

This is my interpretation an old tale, "The Trouble Tree". It's a really nice story, but the short version is: There was once a man man who would touch the branches in the tree outside of his house when when he came home from work. When asked about it, he explained he was hanging his work problems outside and not bringing them into the house with his family. He would pick them up the next morning.

Just one thing matters

"Just one thing matters: what you decide. If you believe something is frustrating or embarrasing, just decide it doesn't matter. Depending on the context, the things that worry you the most can lose all importance." - Thoughts kept

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This is the beginning of my strongest thought, something I'll call mental judo for now. Conveniently, looks like this is already a thing; I'll have to read about it soon. 

Judo is about "using your opponent's strength against them". In the case of mental judo, your opponents are your thoughts and problems; your "inner demons" some say. I need this a lot in my life.

You have the last word. It's not easy, but you can manipulate and change the importance you give to things. 

Good job... or not?

"Always tell people what they wanna hear." - Thoughts kept

But... 

"There aren't any more harmful words than 'good job'." - Whiplash (2014)

First one is my own thought about keeping people happy, because... why wouldn't you want that? Good for relationships, and also avoids unnecessary discussions.

Second one is common leadership advice. I suppose 'good job' just boosts self-esteem but doesn't provide clear feedback on how to improve as a person. Good for growth and leadership.

He, who by good deeds covers the evil he has done...

"He, who by good deeds covers the evil he has done, illuminates this world like the moon freed from clouds." - Lokavagga: The World. Translated from the Pali by Acharya Buddharakkhita.

From some religious text I found on the internet. This speaks to me in a very special level which I'd rather not give much detail about.

Unintentionally inspiring signs

I wish I had taken pictures of these, but I just took note of them. This has also become a popular meme in recent times. Sorry for mixing up spanish and english.

• "Apague su luz exterior, encienda su luz interior." - Letrero en el exterior del cuartel miltar.
• "Siga derecho." - Letrero indicando el camino para llegar al nuevo Bodega Aurrera.
• "Buscando todas las señales." - Mensaje en la imagen del cañón proyector cuando aún no se ha conectado a la computadora.
• "RealTimeIsUniversal" - A Windows parameter related to the way the system time works.
• "Mi luz interior está echada a perder, pero sigo funcionando." - Letrero en máquina expendedora.

Ridiculous things are easier to remember

"When you're trying to understand, study or remember something, don't think too hard. Relate it to similar, funny or even ridiculous things. The more ridiculous it is, the easier it becomes to remember." - Unknown

This is a piece of advice you might have heard before. It's common advice in "how to remember things". I think it mostly works with lists of things, but it could work for other things.

Reading a topic you can't understand...

"When you're reading a topic you can't understand, don't give up. Read the complicated parts again and again. Look up the definition of the words that you can't understand." - Azucena

This is a piece of advice from my Automata's teacher during my Masters. It has helped me understand new things every now and then.

Think of the options...

"When you're trying to solve a problem, don't get frustrated. Think of the options you're not considering out of shyness or fear." - Oscar

Oscar was a sort of life coach that once visited my hometown. That was very long ago, haven't seen him ever since, but I wanted his words to remain with me.

The eighth man rule

"It is the job of the 8th man to disagree with the rest." - Unknown

Paraphrasing a quote I heard in a movie or series long ago and haven't found again ever since. It was a woman talking to a man, she was probably referring to a jury or something similar. 

Basically it means one of their group was tasked to always disagree with the majority, even if he was the only person to disagree. This would help the entire group to always see things from a different perspective. I really liked this quote because I try to live by the idea of "thinking outside of the box".