Roy Sutton

7 Money Rules: Personal Finance Decisions Made Simple

02/22/2026 by Roy Sutton

Let’s be honest: personal finance doesn’t need to be complicated, but it does need to be intentional.

You don’t need a finance degree, a six-figure salary, or a spreadsheet obsession to master the art of managing your money effectively.

However, what you do need are some clear rules that remove emotion from decisions and put you in full control.

For me, the seven money rules I offer you here are simple, practical, and powerful.

Follow them consistently, and your financial life will start to feel lighter, calmer, and perhaps even a little bit exciting.

7 Money Rules:

1. Pay Yourself First

This is the golden rule of money management.

Before bills. Before subscriptions. Before random spending. You come first.

Paying yourself first means automatically setting aside money for savings or investments as soon as your income hits your account. Even if it’s small at first, the habit matters more than the amount.

Think of it this way: if you don’t prioritize your future, no one else will. It’s that simple.

So, start treating savings like a non-negotiable bill, because the future you is counting on it.

2. Invest a Minimum of 10% of Your Income Every Month

Saving is great. Investing is better.

Money sitting in a bank account is safe, but the interest rate at any given time is unlikely to compensate you for inflation. So, that’s not the way to grow capital.

Investing your money over time is what will provide you with the potential for capital growth.

Committing to investing at least 10% of your income every month puts time and compound growth on your side.

Don’t wait until you “earn more” or “feel ready.”

Start where you are now.

The earlier you invest, the harder your money works. And you need it to work hard while you sleep, while you work your day job, and even when you are binge-watching your favourite shows.

3. Spend Less Than You Earn

This is a simple rule with a life-changing impact.

If you consistently spend more than you earn, no strategy in the world can save you financially. You will be doomed.

If you spend less than you earn—even by a little—you create breathing room, choices, and freedom.

This isn’t about deprivation. It’s about intentional spending.

Spend generously on what matters to you and ruthlessly cut everything that doesn’t.

4. Don’t Waste Money on a Lifestyle You Can’t Afford

This one’s tough because comparison is everywhere.

The cars, the clothes, the vacations, the “effortless” lifestyles on social media? Most of it is funded by debt and stress. And that’s a price you don’t want to pay.

True confidence comes from living within your means—not pretending you’re richer than you are.

Build a lifestyle that supports your goals, not one that sabotages them.

5. Never Incur Debt for Discretionary Items

If it doesn’t last—and doesn’t earn—you shouldn’t borrow for it.

Vacations, gadgets, designer items, nights out… these are wants, not needs.

Using debt to pay for them means enjoying the moment while the future you pays the bill (with substantial interest).

If you can’t pay cash for discretionary spending, it’s a sign to pause—not swipe.

Live without it until you’ve got the cash to pay for it.

6. Only Use Debt to Buy Assets (Like Property)

Not all debt is evil—but it must be strategic.

Debt should be used to acquire assets that either appreciate in value or generate income.

Property is a classic example when done wisely.

The key question to ask is:

Will this purchase improve my long-term financial position?

If the answer is no, rethink it.

7. Avoid Impulse Purchases with the 24-Hour Rule

Impulse spending is the silent killer of good financial intentions.

Here’s the fix:

When you want something that isn’t essential, wait 24 hours before buying it.

Most of the time, the urge fades.

And when it doesn’t? You’ll buy with clarity instead of emotion.

This single rule can save you thousands over a lifetime, without making you feel restricted.

Final Thought: Money Is a Tool – Use It on Purpose

Managing your money well isn’t about being perfect. It’s about being consistent.

These seven rules create structure, confidence, and momentum. They will help you stop reacting to money and start directing it.

You don’t need to do everything at once.

Start with one rule. Then another. Over time, small decisions stack up into big results.

Your money should support the life you want—not control it.

And the best time to take control? Right now.

You’re smarter than you think. You’ve got this!

If you found this article useful, then please share this post on social media with your friends.

When you share, everyone wins.

So please share this post now. If you can do that for me, then I’ll be ever so grateful, and you’ll be helping a keen blogger reach a wider audience.

Thank you.

4 Contenders for Dad Joke of the Day to tickle you

02/22/2026 by Roy Sutton

If you’re looking for some contenders for Dad joke of the day, then I’ve got four gems here for you today, dear reader.

They all amused me, and I’m confident that, at least, one or two of them will tickle you too.

So, take a few minutes to enjoy them all.

And feel free to pass them on.

Dad Joke of the Day:

1. The Shipwreck:

Ten people are desperately hanging on to a rope under a helicopter being lifted away from the wreckage of a ship in stormy seas.

There are nine men and just one woman.

As they cling on for their lives, they begin to realise that the rope is simply not strong enough to bear the weight of ten people.

Naturally, they decide they must do something.

After talking amongst themselves, they decide that one of them must sacrifice themselves for the greater good, otherwise, they’ll all die.

An argument then began as to who that person should be.

After a few moments of heated debate, the woman gave a very touching speech.

“I’m a woman,” she said, “and sacrifice is part of every woman’s life. We give everything for our families and in support of men everywhere. For the greater good, I will make this one last sacrifice.”

Well, the nine men were so impressed with her speech that they all began clapping.

While the woman was airlifted to safety alone.

Moral of the Story: You underestimate a woman at your peril.

2. The New Teacher:

Rick was a former sergeant in the US Marine Corps when he accepted a job as a teacher in a tough inner-city high school.

However, just before the school year began, Rick injured his back, and he needed to wear a plaster cast around the upper part of his body.

Fortunately, the cast fit under his shirt, so it wasn’t noticeable.

Having been a Marine, Rick found himself assigned to the toughest class in the school.

These kids were smart punks and determined to put their new teacher to the test.

Walking confidently into the rowdy classroom, Rick opened the window wide and then sat down at his desk.

At that moment, a strong breeze blew his tie over his shoulder.

Unfazed, Rick just picked up the stapler from his desk and stapled his tie to his chest to stop it from being blown around again.

Suddenly, there was a dead silence. You could hear a pin drop as these kids sat open-mouthed, struggling to comprehend what they’d just observed.

The rest of the year went by without any problems for Rick.

Moral of the Story: You don’t mess with an old US Marine.

3. The Dress:

Alison’s wedding day is fast approaching, and nothing’s going to dampen her excitement, not even her parents’ divorce.

Alison’s mother has found the perfect dress to wear, and everyone is convinced that she’ll be the best-dressed bride’s mother ever.

All is going smoothly until Alison suddenly learns that her father’s new young wife has bought the same dress as her mother.

So, Alison asks her father’s new wife to exchange it, but she refuses.

“Definitely not!” says her father’s wife. “In this dress, I’ll look a million dollars, so I’m wearing it.”

Alison tells her mother the story and is surprised when her mother responds graciously, “Never mind, dear, I’ll just get another dress. After all, it is your special day.”

A few days later, they go shopping, and they find another beautiful dress.

This one is even better than the first one. It makes her mother look stunning.

When they’re having lunch, Alison says to her mother, “Mom, aren’t you going to return the other dress? You don’t have another occasion when you’ll wear it.”

Alison’s mother smiled and said, “Of course, I will, dear. I’ll be wearing it for the rehearsal dinner, the night before the wedding.”

Moral of the Story: If you think you can get one over on an older woman, think again.

Jim is unemployed and desperately searching for a job when he sees an advertisement in his local newspaper that says, “PHOTOGRAPHER WANTED: For photographing models for a Miami-based luxury women’s swimwear company.”

Now Jim’s handy with a camera and thinks this could be the perfect job for him.

However, on reflection, he thinks that perhaps it could all be just a practical joke.

So, he calls the number included in the advertisement.

“Oh, hi!” says Jim when his call is answered. “The advertisement in my local newspaper suggests you need a photographer. Is this true, or is it just a practical joke?”

“No, it’s genuine,” says the guy at the other end of the line. “One of our photographers resigned after an argument with the boss last week, so we now need a new one.”

“That’s great,” says Jim. “I’m looking for a job, and I’m good with a camera. And I can start immediately.”

“OK. Well, I need to ask you a few questions,” says the guy. “Are you married? Our models tend to feel uncomfortable if they have pictures taken by married men.“

“Well, that’s understandable,” Jim responds, “but I’m single, so that shouldn’t be a problem.”

“Excellent!” says the guy. “Now, are you able to control yourself around attractive young women? Some of our models are stunningly beautiful.”

“I have the greatest respect for women,” says Jim, “so I’m more than capable of keeping everything at a professional level.”

“Brilliant!” says the guy. “Now, our photoshoots are often based on sandy beaches in exotic locations, so, do you have a passport?”

“Yes,” says Jim, “I do have a current passport.”

“Right,” says the guy, “it sounds like you’re suitably qualified for the job. How quickly can you get to Seattle?“

“Seattle?” Jim says, somewhat surprised. “The advertisement said the job’s based in Miami!”

“It is,” says the guy, “but Seattle is where the back of the line of applicants is right now.”

Moral of the Story: A dream job will attract a lot of applicants.

So, were any of these jokes worthy contenders for Dad Joke of the Day, dear reader? I hope so.

However, perhaps you feel that you could still use a good laugh. If so, click on the links below. You’ll find plenty of smiles to amuse you.

And if you’ve enjoyed what you’ve read here today, then please share these jokes with all your friends on social media. When you share, everyone wins.

It’s always a good idea to pass on the smiles.

Thank you for your support, dear reader.

21 quotes about success that will make you think

02/22/2026 by Roy Sutton

Today I am exploring quotes about success.

Many people say they want to be successful, but few achieve success in any meaningful way.

That said, one person’s success is another person’s failure.

We all have different ideas about what constitutes success.

For some people, it’s all about owning a million-dollar mansion, whereas for others, just being happy and content would be their measure of success.

What does success mean to you?

There are 21 thought-provoking quotes about success in today’s post to help you reflect on what success means to you.

However you choose to define success, it is possible to get to where you’d like to be with effort and determination.

Just decide where you want to go and don’t stop until you get there, though not before you’ve read today’s thought-provoking quotes about success.

Not only are they thought-provoking, but you should find them motivating and inspirational too, dear reader. I hope so, anyway.

Quotes about success:

Amateurs sit and wait for inspiration, the rest of us just get up and go to work. ~Stephen King
Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful. ~Herman Cain
Do not be embarrassed by your failures, learn from them and start again. ~Richard Branson
Victory is sweetest when you’ve known defeat. ~Malcolm S. Forbes
The best years of your life are the ones in which you decide your problems are your own. You do not blame them on your mother, the ecology, or the president. You realize that you control your own destiny. ~Albert Ellis
You’ve got to get up every morning with determination if you’re going to go to bed with satisfaction. ~George Lorimer
If you want to make an easy job seem mighty hard, just keep putting off doing it. ~Olin Miller
The successful man is the one who finds out what is the matter with his business before his competitors do. ~Roy L. Smith
Love yourself first and everything else falls into line. You really have to love yourself to get anything done in this world. ~Lucille Ball
Success is not measured by what you accomplish, but by the opposition you have encountered, and the courage with which you have maintained the struggle against overwhelming odds. ~Orison Swett Marden
You have to learn the rules of the game. And then you have to play better than anyone else. ~Albert Einstein
Things may come to those who wait, but only the things left by those who hustle. ~Abraham Lincoln
Don’t let what you cannot do interfere with what you can do. ~John R. Wooden
Spend eighty per cent of your time focusing on the opportunities of tomorrow rather than the problems of yesterday. ~Brian Tracy
Success means having the courage, determination, and will to become the person you believe you were meant to be. ~George Sheehan
The secret to success in life is for a man to be ready for his opportunity when it comes. ~Benjamin Disraeli
There are two types of people who will tell you that you cannot make a difference in this world: those who are afraid to try and those who are afraid you will succeed. ~Ray Goforth
Don’t wait. The time will never be just right. ~Napoleon Hill
You can teach a student a lesson for a day; but if you can teach him to learn by creating curiosity, he will continue the learning process as long as he lives. ~Clay P. Bedford
The first step toward success is taken when you refuse to be a captive of the environment in which you first find yourself. ~Mark Caine
Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day-in and day-out. ~Robert Collier

Did you find these thought-provoking quotes about success interesting?

If you did, then perhaps they might interest others you know too.

Please share them with your friends on social media, because when you share, everyone wins. Do it now, and I’ll be forever grateful.

Thank you.

4 Hilariously Funny Short Story Jokes

02/22/2026 by Roy Sutton

If you’re looking for some hilariously funny short story jokes, dear reader, then I’ve got four today that you might just enjoy.

Take a few moments to check them out, and then please feel free to pass them on to your friends.

Hilariously funny short story jokes:

1. Jackie and the Game Warden:

Steve and Jackie went on vacation to a fishing resort in Montana.

Steve was a keen fisherman, and he liked to go out fishing early in the morning. Whereas when she’s on vacation, Jackie prefers to just relax and read a book.

One morning, after a few hours of fishing on the lake, Steve returned in his boat and, feeling a little tired by now, decided to take a midday nap.

At this point, Jackie is feeling in need of a little fresh air, and though unfamiliar with their boat, she decided to take it out onto the lake.

So she motored out a short distance, anchored the boat, and then continued reading her book in the peace and tranquillity of this beautiful part of the world.

Jackie’s sitting and reading for about half an hour when suddenly the Game Warden’s boat pulls up next to her boat.

“Good day, mam,” said the Game Warden. “What are you doing?”

“I’m reading a book,” Jackie replied.

“Mam, do you realize that you’re in a restricted fishing area?” said the Game Warden.

“Does that really matter?” said Jackie. “I’m not fishing; I’m reading.”

The Game Warden cast his experienced eye over her boat and then said, “Mam, I can see your boat has all the equipment for fishing. For all I know, you could start at any moment. I’m afraid I’ll have to write you up a ticket.”

Jackie smiled and then said, “Officer, if you do that, I will file a complaint against you for sexual assault.”

Surprised and slightly concerned by her response, the Game Warden said, “Mam, what do you mean? I haven’t laid a finger on you.”

“Perhaps,” said Jackie, “but you have all the equipment to do so. For all I know, you could start at any moment.”

“You have a nice day, mam”, said the Game Warden, as he re-started his engine and sailed away, leaving Jackie to her reading.

Moral of the Story: Don’t mess with women. You won’t win.

2. The silent treatment:

Frank and his wife, Liz, were giving each other the silent treatment after an argument.

This had gone on for 10 days when Frank realized he needed her to wake him the following morning at 5 a.m. so he could catch the 8 a.m. flight to Los Angeles for a very important business meeting.

However, Frank didn’t want to be the first to break the silence, so he left a note on her bedside table that read, “Please wake me at 5 a.m.”

The next morning, he woke up only to find it was already 9 a.m. So he’d missed his flight to Los Angeles.

Frank was furious, and he was about to ask his wife why she hadn’t woken him when he noticed a piece of paper on his bedside table. It read, “It’s 5 a.m. Wake up.”

Moral of the Story: Don’t mess with women. You won’t win.

3. A woman’s contribution:

One evening, Bill returned home from work only to find his home completely wrecked and upside down. Everything was a complete mess.

Bill’s three young children were still in their pyjamas, eating snacks from the fridge. The entrance rug, normally in the hall, was lying on the table. The television in the living room was blasting out cartoons loudly. And every item of furniture in the room was covered in stuff.

He walked into the kitchen only to find that the sink was full of dishes. Leftovers from breakfast were scattered all over the counter, and it was covered in crumbs too.

So Bill immediately ran up the stairs, dodging toys and piles of clothes, fearing his wife might be gravely ill or that some other misfortune might have happened to her.

When he entered their bedroom, breathless, Bill found his wife lying happily in bed, still in her pyjamas, reading a book.

Watching him struggle for breath, she smiled and said, “Hello, honey, how was your day?”

Feeling more than surprised and a little confused, Bill asked his wife, “What’s going on? What the hell has been happening here today?“

Once again, Bill’s wife smiled and said, “Remember that argument we had last night when you hurtfully asked me what the hell I did all day?”

“Ehhhh, yes, I think so”, said Bill, still slightly confused.

“Well today I didn’t do any of it, so now you know,” his wife responded.

Moral of the Story: Don’t mess with women. You won’t win.

4. It could be worse:

Jim’s walking past his son Tim’s room when he notices it’s incredibly clean and neat. As Tim’s not usually quite so fastidious in matters of housekeeping, Jim is naturally suspicious. So, he enters the room, and immediately he notices that there is a note on Tim’s bed addressed to Dad.

Nervously, Jim picks up the letter and opens it.

The letter reads,

“Dear Dad, I’ve run away with Betsy. She’s 20 years older than me, but I love her. We had to elope because she’s pregnant with my child. As we didn’t have enough money, I stole some from your wallet. We’re going to live in the woods below the Santa Monica Mountains, where she has a trailer, and where we will be growing marijuana and trading drugs with the local community. Once we have enough money, we’ll be able to get her the treatment she needs for AIDS. We plan to have at least eight children, and once we’re settled, we’ll visit you each year.

If you’ve read this far, Dad, don’t worry; I’m just kidding around. I’m hanging out at Mikey’s place. I just wanted you to realise that there are worse things than my report card, which you’ll find on my desk if you want to read it. Call me when it’s safe to head back home. Love you, Tim.”

Moral of the Story: Don’t mess with kids. You won’t win with them either.

I hope you found these jokes as funny as you’d hoped, dear reader.

Perhaps you feel that you could still use a good laugh. If so, click on the links below. You’ll find plenty of smiles to amuse you.

And if you’ve enjoyed what you’ve read here today, then please share these jokes with all your friends on social media. When you share, everyone wins. It’s always a good idea to pass on the smiles.

So go on, please do it now. I’ll be ever so grateful.

Thank you for your support.

15 Quotes by Albert Einstein to inspire you

02/22/2026 by Roy Sutton

Today, I am exploring quotes by Albert Einstein.

Albert Einstein was a German-born theoretical physicist, probably best known for the theory of relativity, amongst other things.

Certainly, his work had a major influence on the philosophy of science.

However, he was also widely respected as a great thinker, and many of the quotes attributed to him offer much for developing our personal philosophy.

Here are 15 quotes by Albert Einstein to prove the point:

Quotes by Albert Einstein:

Any man who can drive safely while kissing a pretty girl is simply not giving the kiss the attention it deserves. ~Albert Einstein
Everyone should be respected as an individual, but no one should be idolized. ~Albert Einstein
Strive not to be a success but rather to be of value. ~Albert Einstein
Information is not knowledge. ~Albert Einstein
The only source of knowledge is experience. ~Albert Einstein
If you can’t explain it simply, you don’t understand it well enough. ~Albert Einstein
Weakness of attitude becomes weakness of character. ~Albert Einstein
Learn from yesterday, live for today, and hope for tomorrow. The important thing is not to stop questioning. ~Albert Einstein
Great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds. ~Albert Einstein
It is a miracle that curiosity survives formal education. ~Albert Einstein
The world is a dangerous place to live, not because of the people who are evil, but because of the people who don’t do anything about it. ~Albert Einstein
Only two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity, and I’m not sure about the former. ~Albert Einstein
It’s not that I’m so smart; it’s just that I stay with problems longer. ~Albert Einstein
You ask me if I keep a notebook to record my great ideas. I’ve only ever had one. ~Albert Einstein
Sometimes one pays most for the things one gets for nothing. ~Albert Einstein

If you enjoyed these quotes by Albert Einstein, then please share them with your friends on social media.

Remember, when you share, everyone wins.

If you could share this post, I would appreciate it. You would be helping a keen blogger reach a wider audience.

Thank you for being so supportive.

100 Russian Proverbs – Life, love and making the most of what you have

02/21/2026 by Roy Sutton

In today’s post, I am exploring Russian proverbs. I think there’s much to be said for Russian culture. So I’m exploring ideas about life, love, and making the most of what you have.

Russian culture is rich in proverbs, and many are short, sharp, and deeply philosophical.

So, here are 100 authentic Russian proverbs to inspire you. Each one in English translation (not overly literal, but culturally faithful, I hope).

For any Russian readers, I hope I have been culturally faithful on this occasion.

Life and Wisdom (1–40)

To live a life is not like crossing an open field.
You can’t pull even a fish out of a pond without effort.
You reap what you sow.
Live for a century, learn for a century.
Patience and hard work overcome everything.
Not everything that glitters is gold.
Man plans, but God decides.
A bird in the hand is better than a crane in the sky.
Measure seven times, cut once.
Better to have a hundred friends than a hundred rubles.
Visiting is nice, but home is better.
Where you were born is where you’re useful.
Don’t enter the water without knowing the depth.
Speech is silver; silence is gold.
People learn from mistakes.
There’s a time for work and a time for play.
Live simply, and you’ll live longer.
Misfortune can bring happiness.
Everything has its season.
Trouble never comes alone.
Happiness loves silence.
The eyes fear it, but the hands do it.
Those who don’t risk don’t drink champagne.
Morning is wiser than evening.
Live while life lets you.
Neither fish nor meat.
Everything is good in moderation.
Fools don’t follow rules.
It’s not always a holiday.
Better late than never.
Life is a kopeck, fate is a ruble.
Your own burden doesn’t feel heavy.
Those who dwell on the past lose an eye.
It breaks where it’s weakest.
We live only once.
Another person’s soul is darkness.
Not everything at once.
If you want to live, learn to adapt.
To each their own.
Without the past, there is no future.

Love, Relationships and the Heart (41–70)

Love is blind — you may love even a goat.
With your beloved, even a hut feels like paradise.
You can’t command the heart.
Love isn’t a potato — you can’t throw it out the window.
Where there is love, there is God.
Out of sight, out of heart.
Jealousy is love’s sister.
Love and good counsel mean no sorrow.
One heart sends messages to another.
Love knows no obstacles.
Love endures everything.
He beats you because he loves you. (WARNING: historical saying, not endorsed today)
Love isn’t just sighs on a bench.
Marriage isn’t something you slip on lightly.
Husband and wife are one devil.
An old friend is better than two new ones.
Love comes and goes, but hunger stays.
Love is a delicate matter.
Happiness isn’t in wealth, but in love.
Without love, life isn’t sweet.
Love till the grave — two fools. (ironic)
Love isn’t for something, but despite everything.
Where there is no love, there is no joy.
Love is work.
For the lover, even the sea is knee-deep.
Love begins with the eyes.
The heart knows the truth.
You can’t buy love.
With your beloved, even to the edge of the world.
Without love, a person is an orphan.

Making the Most of What You Have (71–100)

We don’t value what we have until it’s gone.
Small, but precious.
Bread and water are a hero’s food.
Stretch your legs according to your clothes.
Better little, but your own.
Your own shirt is closer to your body.
Poverty is not a sin.
A kopeck saves the ruble.
We’re happy with what we have.
Even that deserves thanks.
Money doesn’t bring happiness.
Poverty makes people inventive.
The grass is greener where we aren’t.
Be content with little.
Your own hut is your own corner.
When there’s no fish, even a crayfish counts.
A thread from everyone clothes the naked.
Guard your honour from youth.
No need for excess.
Better quietly and fed.
He who’s content with little is rich.
We live on what God gives.
You can’t hold happiness with your hands.
Chase big things, lose small ones.
The slower you go, the farther you’ll get.
Live within your means.
Even small good is good.
Joy isn’t in luxury.
Happiness is in simplicity.
The rich aren’t those who have much, but those who have enough.

If you found these Russian proverbs interesting, please share this post on social media with your friends.

When you share, everyone wins.

Please share this post now. If you do, I’ll be ever so grateful. You’ll be helping a keen blogger reach a wider audience.

Thank you.

Articles you might enjoy:

Filed Under: Quotes Tagged With: Inspirational Quotes, Life, Meaning, Motivation, Motivational Quotes, Philosophy, Proverbs, Russia, Russian Culture, Russian Proverbs, Wisdom

100 Chinese Proverbs and wisdom from Chinese culture

02/20/2026 by Roy Sutton

Today, I am exploring Chinese proverbs and the wisdom from Chinese culture. Ancient wisdom that remains relevant to this day.

Chinese proverbs distil thousands of years of philosophy, history, and daily life into vivid lines.

So, in this post, there are 100 Chinese proverbs, presented in English translation, grouped loosely by theme to make them easier for readers to absorb.

Enjoy them all and feel free to share them with your friends, or use them in your daily life.

100 Chinese Proverbs:

Wisdom, Learning and Self-Cultivation

Learning is a treasure that will follow its owner everywhere.
A book holds a house of gold.
Studying without thinking is labour lost; thinking without studying is perilous.
Teachers open the door; you enter on your own.
A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.
To know the road ahead, ask those coming back.
Better to light one candle than curse the darkness.
When you drink the water, remember the source.
Wisdom comes from experience; experience comes from mistakes.
One generation plants the trees; another gets the shade.

Patience, Time and Perseverance

Dig the well before you are thirsty.
Fall seven times, stand up eight.
Constant dripping wears away the stone.
Do not fear slow progress; fear standing still.
With time and patience, the mulberry leaf becomes silk.
A closed mind is like a closed book; just a block of wood.
Even a hare will bite when cornered.
The best time to plant a tree was twenty years ago; the second-best time is now.
Great oaks grow from little acorns.
A rope, when twisted together, can pull a boat.

Knowledge, Insight and Awareness

A wise person adapts to circumstances.
Knowing others is intelligence; knowing yourself is true wisdom.
One who asks a question is a fool for a moment; one who does not is a fool forever.
The bird that rises early catches the worm.
To see what is in front of one’s nose requires constant effort.
A single conversation with a wise person is better than ten years of study.
When the mind is calm, the path appears.
Clear water reflects clearly; a calm mind thinks clearly.
A man without a smiling face must not open a shop.
Silence is a source of great strength.

Morality, Character and Virtue

Better to be poor and honest than rich and dishonest.
A good heart is better than a handsome face.
He who cheats others cheats himself.
One who plants kindness gathers happiness.
The superior person blames himself; the small person blames others.
A clean conscience is a soft pillow.
If you want happiness for an hour, take a nap. If you want happiness for a lifetime, help others.
Virtue is not left to stand alone; it will always have neighbours.
A good deed gains respect; a bad deed gains regret.
The reputation of a thousand years can be ruined in one day.

Adaptability, Change and Balance

When the wind of change blows, some build walls; others build windmills.
Water adapts to the shape of its container.
The rigid breaks; the flexible survives.
When one door closes, another opens.
A smooth sea never made a skilled sailor.
Extreme joy begets sorrow.
Too much sharpness will blunt the blade.
A bent tree lives longer than a straight one.
The moon waxes and wanes; so do fortunes.
Still water runs deep.

Family, Relationships and Society

Harmony in the family leads to prosperity in all things.
Blood is thicker than water.
Parents’ love is deeper than the ocean.
A good neighbour is better than a distant relative.
Brothers may quarrel, but outsiders cannot interfere.
A home filled with laughter is richer than gold.
Children are the mirrors of their parents.
One hand washes the other.
Trust is built in drops and lost in buckets.
Friendship doubles joy and halves sorrow.

Strategy, Action and Life Lessons

Opportunities are prepared for those who are ready.
To catch a tiger, you must enter its den.
Do not use a butcher’s knife to kill a chicken.
One cannot trap tigers without entering the mountains.
A clever rabbit has three burrows.
Kill the chicken to scare the monkey.
A single spark can start a prairie fire.
The one who ties the bell must untie it.
Pointing at the moon, the finger is not the moon.
When the tree falls, the monkeys scatter.

Simplicity, Contentment and Inner Peace

Enough is as good as a feast.
A contented mind is perpetual happiness.
Wealth consists not in having great possessions, but in having few wants.
Plain living and high thinking.
The quiet life brings peace.
Happiness comes from within.
A simple life is a beautiful life.
Desire knows no end.
The more you chase happiness, the farther it runs.
Serenity is the highest luxury.

Fate, Effort and Human Limits

Man proposes; heaven disposes.
Do your best and leave the rest to fate.
Heaven helps those who help themselves.
Birth is destiny; fortune is self-made.
Luck favours the prepared mind.
A person’s heart determines their destiny.
Do not complain about heaven; do not blame others.
One’s fate is in one’s own hands.
Accept what comes, and adapt what you can.
Every gain has its loss.

Closing Wisdom

A moment of patience can prevent a great disaster.
Small leaks sink great ships.
The wise avoid extremes.
A mirror reflects the face; experience reflects the mind.
Words once spoken cannot be taken back.
A single hair can pull nine oxen.
Success depends on preparation.
When your cup is full, stop pouring.
The tallest tree catches the most wind.
Calmness is the cradle of power.

If you found these Chinese proverbs interesting, please share this post on social media with your friends.

When you share, everyone wins.

Please share this post now. If you do, I’ll be ever so grateful. You’ll be helping a keen blogger reach a wider audience.

Thank you.

Articles you might enjoy:

Filed Under: Quotes Tagged With: Chinese Culture, Chinese Proverbs, Chinese Wisdom, Inspiration, Inspirational Quotes, Motivation, Motivational Quotes, Proverbs, Wisdom of the ancients

50 Arabic proverbs to inspire you today

02/20/2026 by Roy Sutton

Discover the timeless wisdom of the Arab world with this carefully curated collection of Arabic proverbs.

Handpicked from a rich cultural heritage spanning centuries, these proverbs offer a unique window into the values and beliefs of the Arab people.

From reflections on life and love to insightful sayings about human nature and the world around us, this list is packed with thought-provoking and inspiring proverbs that are sure to enlighten you.

So, take a journey through time and explore the beauty and depth of these Arabic proverbs, and see if you can add one or two of them to your conversations today.

And please feel free to pass them on.

Arabic Proverbs

Every sun must set.

Haste makes waste.

Time is made of gold.

Be contrary, be known.

Planning is half of living.

A tree begins with a seed.

There’s always tomorrow.

A tree is known by its fruit.

A hungry belly has no ears.

If the winds blow, use them.

Silence is a sign of approval.

Distance equals disaffection.

Blood does not become water.

Think it through and trust God.

Time is a cure for every illness.

A hint is enough for a wise man.

Whatever is forbidden is desired.

Laughing without a reason is rude.

An envious person is the unhappiest.

He who has no shame has no honour.

Avoid that which requires an apology.

Winds do not blow as the vessels wish.

The wisest is the one who can forgive.

Determination is the key to everything.

The first one to apologize is the bravest.

Wishing does not make a poor man rich.

The smarter you are, the less you speak.

A great man is one who serves humanity.

The cure for ignorance is asking questions.

Get on with your neighbours or move away.

It’s better to be alone than in bad company.

With care do you realize your opportunities.

He who plays with the cat will find his claws.

Ask the experienced rather than the learned.

Seek knowledge from the cradle to the grave.

Anger begins with madness but ends in regret.

He who desires success must sit up many nights

The stingy have large porches and little morality.

A true friend is one who shows up in times of need.

May God bless the visitors who don’t stay too long.

A servant who has two masters lies to one of them.

It’s better to light a candle than curse the darkness.

Choose your neighbours before you choose your home.

A single good deed is better than a thousand intentions.

The best people are those who are most useful to others.

The ink of the scholar is holier than the blood of the martyr.

Everyone is critical of the flaws of others but blind to their own.

It’s better to fix what you have than wait to get what you don’t have.

A man of two minds is a liar, and a man of three minds is a hypocrite.

You can build all the houses you want but, eventually, you’ll leave them all and go to your grave alone.

Please share these proverbs:

If you found these Arabic proverbs interesting and inspiring, then please share this post on social media with your friends. When you share, everyone wins.

So go on, please share this post now. If you do, I’ll be ever so grateful, and you’ll be helping a keen blogger reach a wider audience.

Thank you for your support.

Articles you might enjoy:

Filed Under: Quotes Tagged With: Arabic Proverbs, Attitude, Best Quotes, Inspiration, Inspirational Quotes, Life, Meaning, Motivation, Motivational Quotes, Philosophy, Proverbs, Proverbs from around the world, quotes, short proverbs, Wisdom

50 quotes on self-improvement to inspire you to achieve

02/20/2026 by Roy Sutton

Looking for some quotes on self-improvement that will inspire you to be more than you are, dear reader? Then you’re in the right place because I have some brilliant quotes to offer you today.

These are some of my favourite quotes of all time, and I always feel inspired when I read them.

Take a few minutes to relax and see which ones inspire you the most. Any that you really like, please feel free to add them to your journal.

If you don’t keep a journal, you should. I keep one, and in it, I make a note of anything and everything that inspires me. That’s where I’ve created the resource for all of these quotes on offer now.

Anyway, enjoy them all, and then please pass them on to your friends.

Quotes on self-improvement (1-10):

If you can dream it, you can do it. ~Walt Disney
The only journey is the one within. ~Rainer Maria Rilke
All things are difficult before they are easy. ~Thomas Fuller
The secret of getting ahead is getting started. ~Mark Twain
It always seems impossible until it’s done. ~Nelson Mandela
You just can’t beat the person who never gives up. ~Babe Ruth
Set your goals high, and don’t stop till you get there. ~Bo Jackson
It is never too late to be what you might have been. ~George Eliot
Only I can change my life. No one can do it for me. ~Carol Burnett
You cannot have a positive life and a negative mind. ~Joyce Meyer

Quotes on self-improvement (11-20):

My purpose is to lift your spirit and to motivate you. ~Mavis Staples
Without hard work, nothing grows but weeds. ~Gordon B. Hinckley
Problems are not stop signs, they are guidelines. ~Robert H. Schuller
The only thing that overcomes hard luck is hard work. ~Harry Golden
Aim for the moon. If you miss, you may hit a star. ~W. Clement Stone
Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can. ~Arthur Ashe
In order to succeed, we must first believe that we can. ~Nikos Kazantzakis
It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop. ~Confucius
When you have a dream, you’ve got to grab it and never let go. ~Carol Burnett
Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react to it. ~Charles R. Swindoll

Quotes on self-improvement (21-30):

The best preparation for tomorrow is doing your best today. ~H. Jackson Brown, Jr.
Perseverance is not a long race; it is many short races one after the other. ~Walter Elliot
Ever tried? Ever failed? No matter. Try Again. Fail again. Fail better. ~Samuel Beckett
Opportunity does not knock it presents itself when you beat down the door. ~Kyle Chandler
A strong, positive self-image is the best possible preparation for success. ~Joyce Brothers
Believe that life is worth living and your belief will help create the fact. ~William James
Change your life today. Don’t gamble on the future, act now, without delay. ~Simone de Beauvoir
The will to succeed is important, but what’s more important is the will to prepare. ~Bobby Knight
Perfection is not attainable, but if we chase perfection we can catch excellence. ~Vince Lombardi
Even if I knew that tomorrow the world would go to pieces, I would still plant my apple tree. ~Martin Luther

Quotes on self-improvement (31-41):

Don’t judge each day by the harvest you reap but by the seeds that you plant. ~Robert Louis Stevenson
Opportunities are usually disguised as hard work, so most people don’t recognize them. ~Ann Landers
Nothing ever comes to one that is worth having, except as a result of hard work. ~Booker T. Washington
Knowing is not enough; we must apply. Willing is not enough; we must do. ~Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work. ~Thomas A. Edison
I can’t change the direction of the wind, but I can adjust my sails to always reach my destination. ~Jimmy Dean
There is only one corner of the universe you can be certain of improving, and that’s your own self. ~Aldous Huxley
Put your heart, mind, and soul into even your smallest acts. This is the secret of success. ~Swami Sivananda
Your present circumstances don’t determine where you can go; they merely determine where you start. ~Nido Qubein
If you’re not making mistakes, then you’re not doing anything. I’m positive that a doer makes mistakes. ~John Wooden
You simply have to put one foot in front of the other and keep going. Put blinders on and plough right ahead. ~George Lucas

Quotes on self-improvement (42-50):

I hated every minute of training, but I said, ‘Don’t quit’. Suffer now and live the rest of your life as a champion.’ ~Muhammad Ali
Decide what you want, decide what you are willing to exchange for it. Establish your priorities and go to work. ~H. L. Hunt
If you want to succeed you should strike out on new paths, rather than travel the worn paths of accepted success. ~John D. Rockefeller
Just don’t give up trying to do what you really want to do. Where there is love and inspiration, I don’t think you can go wrong. ~Ella Fitzgerald
If you don’t design your own life plan, chances are you’ll fall into someone else’s plan. And guess what they have planned for you? Not much. ~Jim Rohn
If you believe in yourself and have dedication and pride, and never quit, you’ll be a winner. The price of victory is high but so are the rewards. ~Bear Bryant
My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humour, and some style. ~Maya Angelou
I learned that we can do anything, but we can’t do everything, at least not at the same time. So think of your priorities, not in terms of what activities you do, but when you do them. Timing is everything. ~Dan Millman
Always do your best. Your best is going to change from moment to moment. It will be different when you are healthy as opposed to sick. Under any circumstance, simply do your best and you will avoid self-judgment, self-abuse and regret. ~Don Miguel Ruiz

If you found these quotes interesting, please share this post on social media with your friends.

When you share, everyone wins.

Please share this post now. If you do, I’ll be ever so grateful. You’ll be helping a keen blogger reach a wider audience.

Thank you.

15 hilarious jokes that might just make you smile

02/20/2026 by Roy Sutton

Jokes are always popular with readers, so once again I’ve been searching the Internet for stuff to make you smile.

Here are 15 hilarious jokes that made me laugh, and I hope they will brighten your day, too. Yes, they’re corny, but they’re still very funny, I think.

They are all classified as ‘Author Unknown,’ as I’ve been unable to confirm the identity of the original authors. However, I’d be happy to add appropriate writing credits to every joke if anyone can advise me as to their origin.

Take a few moments to enjoy them all, and please feel free to share them with others.

Hilarious Jokes:

A naked woman robbed a bank.
Nobody could remember her face.

My girlfriend hated my endless stream of police puns.
So, I decided to give it arrest.

What do you get if you Google ‘missing medieval servant’?
Page not found.

Patient: Doctor, I’m so nervous; this is my first operation.
Doctor: Oh, don’t worry. It’s mine too.

Don’t be sad when a bird poops on your head.
Just be happy that dogs can’t fly.

My girlfriend isn’t talking to me. She said I ruined her birthday.
I’m not sure how. I didn’t even know it was her birthday.

When a cougar’s old and needs a hearing aid, what does she become?
A Def Leppard.

If you rub your eyes with ketchup, what will you benefit from?
Heinzsight!

My girlfriend says I’m hopeless at fixing appliances.
Well, she’s in for a shock.

What do you call a Mexican bodybuilder who’s run out of protein?
No whey Jose.

My girlfriend has her own taser.
She’s a real stunner.

I bought a dog off a blacksmith recently.
As soon as I got it home, it made a bolt for the door.

What do you do with an epileptic lettuce?
You make a seizure salad.

A man walked into a zoo, and the only animal they had was a dog.
It was a Shih Tzu.

When pharmacists get sick, what do doctors give them?
A taste of their own medicine.

So, dear reader, was this post amusing and worth a few minutes of your time?

If any of these hilarious jokes made you smile, then please share this post with your friends on social media.

When you share, everyone wins. It’s always a good idea to pass on the smiles.

Put a smile on someone else’s face, and you’ve done your good deed for the day. So go on, please share this post now.

Then perhaps you’d like some more laughs? Then click on the links below.

7 Money Rules:

1. Pay Yourself First

2. Invest a Minimum of 10% of Your Income Every Month

3. Spend Less Than You Earn

4. Don’t Waste Money on a Lifestyle You Can’t Afford

5. Never Incur Debt for Discretionary Items

6. Only Use Debt to Buy Assets (Like Property)

7. Avoid Impulse Purchases with the 24-Hour Rule

Final Thought: Money Is a Tool – Use It on Purpose

Please share this post:

Other articles you might also find interesting:

Dad Joke of the Day:

1. The Shipwreck:

2. The New Teacher:

3. The Dress:

4. The Job Advert:

Please share the fun:

Other articles that might appeal to you:

What does success mean to you?

Quotes about success:

Please share this post with all your friends:

Other articles that might appeal to you:

Hilariously funny short story jokes:

1. Jackie and the Game Warden:

2. The silent treatment:

3. A woman’s contribution:

4. It could be worse:

Please share the fun:

Other articles that might appeal to you:

Quotes by Albert Einstein:

Please share this post with your friends:

Other articles that might appeal to you:

Life and Wisdom (1–40)

Love, Relationships and the Heart (41–70)

Making the Most of What You Have (71–100)

Please share these quotes with your friends:

Articles you might enjoy:

100 Chinese Proverbs:

Wisdom, Learning and Self-Cultivation

Patience, Time and Perseverance

Knowledge, Insight and Awareness

Morality, Character and Virtue

Adaptability, Change and Balance

Family, Relationships and Society

Strategy, Action and Life Lessons

Simplicity, Contentment and Inner Peace

Fate, Effort and Human Limits

Closing Wisdom

Please share these quotes with your friends:

Articles you might enjoy:

Arabic Proverbs

Please share these proverbs:

Articles you might enjoy:

Quotes on self-improvement (1-10):

Quotes on self-improvement (11-20):

Quotes on self-improvement (21-30):

Quotes on self-improvement (31-41):

Quotes on self-improvement (42-50):

Please share these quotes with your friends:

Other articles that might appeal to you:

Hilarious Jokes:

Please share with your friends:

Other articles that might appeal to you:

Recent Posts

Archives