The great and infamous “they” say great minds think alike. I’m not so sure.
From what I have observed, there are a lot of great minds that have thought alike in the wrong kind of way. All it takes is a quick internet search of “stupid celebrity moments” or “celebrities say the darndest things,” and you will find some things that will change your philosophical perspective in the wrong direction.
Being in the limelight nonstop might start to affect people after a while, but I’m not sure that makes some of what happens excusable. Last year, names like Chris Brown, John Travolta, Halle Berry and even alleged lovebirds Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart made headlines for all the wrong reasons. More recently, Michael Richards (who is known best for his role as Kramer in the American comedic sitcom “Seinfeld,”) said some incredibly choice words that got him in incredibly hot water.
When the young people in society look up to celebrities whose names have unfortunately been linked with negativity, I can’t say I favor the result. What I can say for certain is I know I don’t necessarily agree with everything my philosophical mentors in life have to say, and I can’t say I’d change that. Mahatma Gandhi, for example, shared some religious beliefs I can’t say I agree with, but his theories are among the closest thoughts I hold to my heart.
“The weak can never forgive,” Gandhi said. “Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong.”
Let’s face it. Celebrity or otherwise, we all make mistakes. Bad things happen to good people. But like another great thinker I tend to favor would say “a life spent making mistakes is not only more honorable, but more useful than a life spent doing nothing.” Forgiveness is an attribute of strength as Gandhi would say.
Forgiveness is one thing. What comes from it is what makes it worthwhile. While the great and infamous “they” say great minds think alike, it is also known that great minds also make mistakes. I can say with honesty I don’t forgive and forget, but instead I prefer to forgive and learn. It’s what we learn from the mistakes of others and ourselves that makes us who we are.
Wiley's Wisdom 
So well put my friend!!!! Hugs to you and yours!!!!
Trev! Thank you! Same to you and yours! 🙂
Very wise words,Wiley.
Thank you, friend. I appreciate you, in case I don’t say it enough.
Oh, Wiles! What a perfection of a line, “I can say with honesty I don’t forgive and forget, but instead I prefer to forgive and learn.” HuntMode
P.S.: So, your profile says you are a terrier mix – your photos almost always show you contemplative… And, you look so dog gone sweet…. I’m thinking of those bouncy, bouncy barking dogs that leap sky high over and over and over again…. Are you or were you like that, Wiley?
Dear Huntmode family,
Thank you as usual for your beautiful commentary. While I am incredibly thoughtful, let’s just say I wouldn’t lose in a doggie high jump competition. A favorite past, present and future pastime (God-willing) of mine is leaping into my mom’s arms to welcome her home from that place called work she goes to every day. They call me the little jumping bean when we’re about to go someplace exciting like the dog park or for a walk too. I know it makes mom happy when I pose for the camera, so I cooperate. Practice what you preach, as “they” say. 🙂
Lots of love,
Wiles
You are so wise!!
So I’ve been wanting to share something with you…I love your name! It is one of my mom’s most favorite herbs. Is that what you’re named after, or is there another reason for your name? Lots of love!
“a life spent making mistakes is not only more honorable, but more useful than a life spent doing nothing.” – great point Wiley! You’re not chasing your tail on this one.
Thank you, dear Maria! Chasing my tail is fun occasionally, but I’d prefer not to do so in print. I’m much more conspicuous than that. 😉
I agree, I can forgive and learn and I can forgive and I can draw my consequences for me. Have a wonderful wednesday, Wiley :o)
I did indeed have a wonderful Wednesday, and I think that is thanks in part to support from my pals like you! Have a terrific Thursday!
I agree. Forgive and remember. Learn from mistakes.
Thank you! I haven’t seen your paw prints lately, so it’s good to see you again dear friend! I hope all is well!
I usually do forgive and forget, Wiley. Hopefully I have also learned along the way. I hope so. I want to have wisdom, like you!
Love and licks,
Cupcake
Dear Cupcake,
I think its also okay to forgive and forget in the right circumstances…in fact, there are lessons to be learned that way too! If you thoughtful commentary is any indication, I’d say you’ve learned a great deal along the way. You are wise too, my friend! Lots of love, Wiles.
You deserve extra “scratchies” behind the ears on this one Wiley. Wise words. 🙂
You know what happens when I get scratchies behind the ears? I tilt myself into the hands of the person petting me so hard that I occasionally lose balance and fall over. This is what happened to my heart with your words today, so thank you. 🙂
Once again, you are right on the money, Wiley. I love your comment that we should forgive and LEARN. Such sage advice.
High paw and lots of hugs to you, dear Diane!
Great words of wisdom. Thanks for the clever insight.
Ellen! You are my newest follower! Thank you and welcome!
My pleasure and thank you for the warm reception. I had read a few of your past posts and have enjoyed them as well.
Oh – and it is “Easter” Ellen is my second name.
Guess when I was born. 😉
Dear Easter! My apologies for not getting your name right…What a beautiful first name, and how special it is you were born on such an important day! Thank you for reading, supporting, and commenting. 🙂
I was supposed to be called Mary Ellen, but my dad had a great insight on the way to the hospital and then the name Easter (and I) were born.
Thanks for your compliment and yes, it is a privilege to carry this name. It has come to take its own meaning in my life as “resurrected life”. I could not be more well suited to it.
Have a great night,
Easter
What a fabulous philosophy you have! Good night to you as well!
Forgiveness doesn’t mean what happened is okay. But to forgive is really about you, letting go the negativity rather than holding on to it because that energy just wreaks havoc in your body. Whether is is anger, guilt, shame, etc., it affects you more than the other person. I love your “forgive and learn” because it has positive energy – we learn more from mistakes than from successes. Spot on, Wiley!
I feel so blessed to hear from you twice in one day! Your positive outlook on things radiates from your words. Thank you for dropping by again – I’ve missed you! 🙂
Very wise, Wiley 🙂
Reblogged this on Wiley's Wisdom and commented:
What do you think? Do great minds really think alike?