The Arte of Motivation

March 8th, 2010

“Thousands of geniuses live and die undiscovered - either by themselves or by others.”

- Mark Twain

Mark Twain has been dead for more than 100 years and yet we still find and use his words to enlighten and enliven us today. Twain was very popular and his keen wit and incisive satire earned praise from both critics and peers. Upon his death he was lauded as the "greatest American humorist of his age". The mark of a person who has had a large impact on others is the number of times and the various ways their words are used. In this, Twain has few equals.

Who knows what you do? You probably keep most things to yourself so that you limit the comments and criticism that might come your way. More than likely lots of things you do or say go unnoticed because we live in a fast-paced world where people rarely take time to notice them. Often the things we do get lost in the rush of things – the quality, the quantity, the attention to detail – all are mostly taken for granted. And then there are times when simple and petty jealousies limit the notice and comments that are most appropriate and thus we’re left to wonder if anyone cares. But they’re not lost on you and you should take comfort and pride in what you do and produce and in the end that is the best reward there is. And have heart – because most great and grand things are not noticed for the longest time; keep your ideals and standards intact and never forget that you do what you do for you and because they’re the right things to do. You’ll know it, and that’s what really counts!

Arte Nathan