Often, as we make our way through our day, we are witness to everyday occurrences which could be worth offering advice. Except that in most cases, opening one’s mouth even if gently to point out an error to a fellow human being will be poorly received to say the least. So that with the modern advances in printing that now have most homes equipped with a computer, it becomes possible to output quotes and citations on business cards at a reasonable cost. It got me to thinking that maybe, I should do so and carry these on me! Then, when witnessing a distressing situation, no need to explain anything : just hand out the appropriate small cardboard and be on your way, leaving the “victim” to ponder the wise words found on it?
It might go thus :
To the lady that was hopelessly spinning her car’s skidding wheels at full throttle and not moving an inch save by sinking further in the ice patch.
Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.
Albert Einstein
To the gentleman who’s car was blocking part of the intersection although the light was red for him and traffic whooshing by his front bumper but didn’t back up although he had the place to do so and looked pissed at everyone :
The trouble with the world is that the stupid are cocksure and the intelligent are full of doubt.
Bertrand Russell
To the loud man at the bank counter raising his voice at the teller in hopes of getting his problem solved even though everyone in the line thus learned it was his own fault :
The empty vessel makes the loudest sound.
William Shakespeare
To the impeccable old lady that was blocking everyone’s path by standing in the middle of the shop entrance and refusing to budge to let others in but instead looking at them haughtily:
Humility is not thinking less of yourself, it’s thinking of yourself less.
C.S. Lewis
To the nice girl that let me by as my arms were full of stuff for I had neglected to take a basket or cart like herself :
Kindness is the language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see.
Mark Twain
To the poor fellow who was shoveling his entrance courageously only to send each load back behind him in his cleaned-up path :
Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment.
Buddha
… but with an added smile and wink?
And after coming back home, before entering and settling in, I’d readily hand myself this one :
I always pass on good advice. It is the only thing to do with it. It is never of any use to oneself.
Oscar Wilde
And good day all, Tay.
Definitive Lapse of Reason 