On Stupidity

Herbert Spencer, English philosopher and political theorist:

“The ultimate result of shielding men from the effects of folly is to fill the world with fools.”

Robertson Davies, novelist, playwright, journalist, and professor:

“There is no nonsense so gross that society will not, at some time, make a doctrine of it and defend it with every weapon of communal stupidity.”

Example: see “socialism”, as thoroughly refuted by Ludwig von Mises.

This entry was written by Josh Kaufman, posted on January 24, 2007 at 12:00 am, filed under Quotes. Leave a comment or view the discussion at the permalink.

On Power

David Brin, sci-fi author:

“It is said that power corrupts, but actually it’s more true that power attracts the corruptible. The sane are usually attracted by other things than power.”

This entry was written by Josh Kaufman, posted on January 23, 2007 at 11:52 pm, filed under Quotes. Leave a comment or view the discussion at the permalink.

On People

Stowe Boyd, CEO of Blue Whale Labs:

“People are the center of the universe. Not stuff.”

Fredd Kambo, financier with Shell Oil:

“I don’t bother “networking” anymore, instead, I try to build relationships with people I find interesting, and who I think are doing interesting things. And I make it my mission to help them in any way I can to achieve their mission. I find this much more satisfying, much more honorable, and much more fun. And this is the cool thing about people….When you help them out in this way, they help you out. Not because it’s a tit for tat deal, but because both parties are engaged in a mutually beneficial relationship that extends beyond the next favor.”

Hat tip to Hugh at GapingVoid.

This entry was written by Josh Kaufman, posted on at 10:35 pm, filed under Quotes. Leave a comment or view the discussion at the permalink.

On Creation

Henry David Thoreau, writer and philosopher:

“If you have built castles in the air, your work need not be lost, that is where they should be. Now put foundations under them.”

George Bernard Shaw, playwright:

“You see things and you say ‘Why?’ But I dream things that never were and I say ‘Why not?‘”

Michelangelo, Renaissance polymath:

“I saw the angel in the marble and carved until I set him free.”

This entry was written by Josh Kaufman, posted on at 10:26 pm, filed under Quotes. Leave a comment or view the discussion at the permalink.

On Starting

Karen Lamb:

“A year from now you may wish you had started today.”

W.H. Murray, Scottish mountain climber:

“Concerning all acts of initiative (and creation), there is one elementary truth the ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans: that the moment one definitely commits oneself, then providence moves too. A whole stream of events issues from the decision, raising in one’s favor all manner of unforeseen incidents, meetings and material assistance, which no man could have dreamt would have come his way.”

This entry was written by Josh Kaufman, posted on at 12:00 pm, filed under Quotes. Leave a comment or view the discussion at the permalink.

15 Minutes at the Met: Ancient Egypt

Kelsey and I were walking around the Upper East Side of Manhattan this afternoon, and went into the Metropolitan Museum of Art 15 minutes before closing time. We only had time to see one exhibit (Ancient Egypt) , but it was a fantastic quick date for both of us.

I think “15 Minutes” is a great idea for an ongoing photojournalism / photoblogging series. Take a camera, give yourself 15 minutes to capture the essence of the place you’re visiting, and pick the best shots of your experience. It’s a wonderful exercise in “embracing constraints,” and it’s a great deal of fun.

(For those of you who aren’t aware, Kelsey and I recently moved to Manhattan. More details coming soon.)

This entry was written by Josh Kaufman, posted on January 8, 2007 at 2:32 am, filed under Photography. Leave a comment or view the discussion at the permalink.