Where at all ethically possible, we must give others hope. Without it, a person figuratively or even literally dies.
—Marty Nemko
Scratch the surface of any thinking ideologue and you’ll find doubts. Ask, “Ever wondered whether the other side might be right?”
—Marty Nemko
No matter how brilliant you are, if your style is too intense, most people will dismiss you.
—Marty Nemko
Topics: Legacy, Biography
If you have a clearly good idea, to avoid getting talked out of it, get input only on how to better execute it.
—Marty Nemko
Might you be wise to focus more on self-acceptance than self-improvement? That might even motivate you to self-improve.
—Marty Nemko
It all comes down to this: Do good.
—Marty Nemko
The desire to be right usually trumps the desire for truth.
—Marty Nemko
Topics: Equality
When overwhelmed, after doing any needed planning, just stay in the moment and put one foot in front of the other.
—Marty Nemko
A clue to what career you should pursue: When you’re really comfortable, what do you love to talk about?
—Marty Nemko
A desire to “give back” needn’t imply giving to the neediest. It could mean giving to those with the most potential to benefit.
—Marty Nemko
Talking too much is a career killer. Keep all utterances to <45 seconds &, in dialogue, speak a bit LESS than 50% of the time.
—Marty Nemko
If the risk/reward ratio of taking an action is good, even if you may fail, it’s usually wise to follow Nike’s advice: Just do it!
—Marty Nemko
As we age, there’s a creeping bitter wisdom we accrue.
—Marty Nemko
To broaden your horizons, mix with people other than people from your own background (professional, cultural, social, academic, racial, ethnic, etc.) Most people prefer the company of other people from similar backgrounds. Birds of a feather do flock together.
—Marty Nemko
Ever get tired of being nice? Tempted to throw caution to the wind and say what you really think? If deserved, even yell?
—Marty Nemko
The most valuable way to spend a dollar? A memo pad. Keep it with you at all times. Think of ideas. Write them down. Implement them.
—Marty Nemko
There’s cost and benefit each time you criticize or suggest. Sometimes, it’s worth the price. Make the choice consciously.
—Marty Nemko
Many people can do well in school, even get PhDs, yet are unhireable in the real world. The degree is US’s most overrated product.
—Marty Nemko
Topics: Repentance, Forgiveness
Giving advice makes the recipient feel less efficacious, so weigh that against the benefit your advice will likely yield.
—Marty Nemko
People see counselors when they could journal on their own. People take classes when they could read on their own. Why? They’re forced to act.
—Marty Nemko
If your self-esteem is low, perhaps focus on finding work you can succeed at. Real self-esteem comes from accomplishment.
—Marty Nemko
Far better than a course is self-study + a tutor to get you past your trouble spots.
—Marty Nemko
You’ll likely learn more of enduring value from an hour of wise googling than from any course.
—Marty Nemko
Topics: Education, Learning
Teamwork is deified. Don’t forget the pluses of individualism: more motivation, bolder/less compromised solutions, speed.
—Marty Nemko
If you relentlessly pursue a big goal with laser-beam focus, you will likely like your life and be a most worthy person.
—Marty Nemko
Unefficacious people can’t or CHOOSE TO not bounce back—it’s a good excuse to avoid facing their inefficacy yet again.
—Marty Nemko
When you think you can nail someone with your argument, take a breath & see if you can phrase it as a face-saving question.
—Marty Nemko
To boost motivation: what’s your next 1-second task? It feels good to get even a tiny task done, make progress, and maybe learn something.
—Marty Nemko
We dun perfectionism, e.g., as causing procrastination. Yet haven’t your perfectionist efforts yielded the most good & satisfaction?
—Marty Nemko
Long-winded? Constantly ask yourself, “Does the person really need & want to know this phrase?” And keep utterances to <30 sec.
—Marty Nemko
Wondering Whom to Read Next?
- Carl Reiner American Comedian
- Larry King American TV Personality
- Abbie Hoffman American Political Activist
- Louis Farrakhan American Religious Leader
- Daniel Kahneman American-Israeli Psychologist, Economist
- Charles Krauthammer American Political Columnist
- Jerry Seinfeld American Comedian
- Carole King American Singer-Songwriter
- Josiah Royce American Philosopher
- Clark Kerr American Educator
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