This is a 3D Printed Octopus.
The bendable legs are cute.
It’s sitting on a camera and tripod.
Soon 3D Printed Objects will even talk, and when they do, this one will say:
Shabbat Shalom!
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Category Archives: Speech
Actions Speak Louder Than Words
Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called, “Actions Speak Louder Than Words.”
When we see wrong and evil in this world, we have a duty to stand up and speak out with truth and integrity, to be a good influence and guide things for the better, and even to repair the world (“Tikkun Olam”)…Words are perhaps a good start, but also, “words are cheap.” The way to really judge someone is less by their words, and far more so by their actual deeds. Moreover, sometimes words aren’t enough and we need to not just say something, but do something! As Edmund Burke stated, “The only thing necessary for triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.” It’s great to speak out when we see wrong, but more than that we have to be willing, when necessary, to act out–to do something.
As Jews, we need to be ready, willing, and able to stand up for what is right in the never ending war of good over evil in this world–regardless of silver or lead, G-d forbid–with our words and with our deeds.
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Ocean of Words
I really like this phrase from a book that I’m reading called “Like Dreamers.”
An ocean of words and a desert of ideas.
Too often, we hear people who like to hear themselves talk, think very highly of themselves, show off, or just spout away.
And while they say a lot…
There may not be a lot there.
New ideas, thoughts, ways of looking at things, innovation, creativity, outside the box thinking–that’s like a desert!
In Yiddish (and it’s always funnier in Yiddish), we say:
A big, big mouth, and a tiny, tiny head.
Similarly, in Hebrew, there is phrase that translates to:
Say a little, and do a lot.
Sometimes, the smartest people are the ones who use their words wisely, strategically, with depth and meaning, and when they really have something to say.
It’s at that time that you better be listening. 😉
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Never Say Anything
So I overhear this conversation…
Woman: “Never say never and never say always.”
Man: “Well then what should I say?”
Woman: “Just keep your mouth shut!”
Yeah, that’s one for the books.
Anyway, thinking about this a little more–there is an exception to every rule.
Never say never is itself violating this rule of thumb.
Hence one conclusion perhaps is that many rules are so stupid to begin with! 🙂
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Power of Speech
I loved this magnet on this wonderful old Jewish ladies refrigerator who lives in our community.
“If you have nothing good to say…
Say nothing.”
I remember we used to talk about this saying in my house growing up too.
It is a famous teaching from the holy Chofetz Chaim.
I remember as a bar-mitzvah boy, someone in our community in Riverdale, NY gave me a set of the Chofetz Chaim’s books.
And I enjoyed reading from them daily about always being careful with how you use your words:
– Not to hurt anyone.
– Not to speak bad about anyone (i.e. Lashon Hara)
– But rather to use words pointedly and always for the good.
Kind words.
Gentle words.
Complimentary words.
Words of love and caring.
Holy words.
The Chofetz Chaim seemed to have an endless number of wonderful stories to demonstrate the power of speech and the importance of using it for the good.
The old saying of “The pen is mightier than the sword,” can be used replacing the pen with the tongue and power of speech in general.
Words can cut someone like a knife and even kill or words can create a tremendous healing when it’s full of love and caring for others.
Actions speak louder than words, but words can speak and perform volumes in the eternal fight of good over evil. 😉
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
The Meaning of Silence
Is silence a good thing or a bad thing–what does it really mean?
On the plus or neutral side:
Silence can mean modesty and humility–you withhold speaking out of turn or having a big mouth; you recognize that you don’t know everything and what you do know is not intended to put down or shame others.
Silence can means secrets and privacy–you don’t say everything; you treat information properly based on need to know and propriety of sharing.
Silence can mean good situational judgement–that you know prudently when to let others have their say, or when your opinion isn’t really welcome, or when it’s best to just stay below the radar.
Silence can mean you simply don’t know–and it’s something you need to listen and learn more about rather than speak; it’s why we’re told that we have two ears and one mouth.
Silence can mean that maybe you don’t care about something–why get fired up or “waste your breath” on it when it’s just not your thing.
When can it be a negative:
There was a sign in the local school window that silence means (wrongful) acceptance; that is also something I learned in in the Talmud in yeshiva; if you see something wrong and don’t say or do something, you are (partially) responsible.
Silence can mean fear–perhaps you don’t accept something, but you’re afraid to speak truth or morality to power; you sit silently cowering, when you should stand up tall and speak out.
Silence may also mean shame–you’ve done something wrong or don’t want others to know something that could make you look bad or put you in jeopardy.
Silence can mean you are hiding something–it can be that you don’t trust or aren’t trustful; silence at a time when you need to answer or respond can result in suspicion about why you are “holding back,” instead of being forthcoming and truthful.
When to talk and when to remain silent?
Certainly, “you have the right to remain silent.”
We need to use words with care and intent–to always seek to help and not to hurt.
Words are so potent–the mouth is perhaps the strongest part of the human body, just like the pen is mightier than the sword.
That’s why I pray that G-d put the “right words” in my mouth–to be constructive, positive, effective and impactful–to do good as much as possible with words and with silence. 😉
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Communicate And Do Good In This World
This is a really good quote by Jay Danzie:
“Your smile is your logo, your personality is your business card, how you leave others feeling after an experience with you becomes your trademark.”
I heard someone else say it another way:
“The only way to read your audience is with eye contact and smiles.”
Basically, it comes down to leaving people with a positive feeling through your interactions, and influencing others for the good.
We have one chance to make a first impression–so yes, wow people with your smile, personality, integrity, and inspire them to do and speak good.
If we all just say or do just one more good thing everyday, imagine that multiplied by 7.5 billion people.
Now, multiply that by 365 days a years and you have 2.7 trillion more good things said and done in just a single year.
Imagine our Heavenly Father looking down at us with so much good in our souls’ bank.
We can all be an influence for good–just think about it and go out and do it! 😉
(Source Photo: Michelle Blumenthal)
Relationships Matter Most
So if I have only learned one thing from work and office politics…it is that relationships matter to results!
And not only that they matter, but that they matter the most.
Results are great and important; however if they come at the expense of relationships or it’s a “burn the bridges” type deal–then the results are not just tainted, but perhaps will be doomed to fail anyway and all the more so.
The way we treat others is paramount to what we do.
G-d watches us–and He/She will judge us accordingly.
Every interaction with others is a test for us.
How do we speak to and act with another one of G-d’s loving creations.
Treating people well does not need to come at the expense of results–rather it is the secret sauce to getting results.
This doesn’t mean that you have to be liked or loved, but that you do the right thing and for the right reasons–great deeds come with truly best intentions.
Integrity is not just a word–it is a life principle!
When you treat people badly–how do you think that impacts the office and the ultimate mission?
Success is people and product.
And life has a funny way about it with karma being ever present.
(Source Photo: here with attribution to PoYang)
Getting Your Message Out With Impact
There is an old Jewish parable about the body parts arguing which is most important.
Each makes it’s case that without that part, we just couldn’t function. (No jokes here now!)
But in the end, the tongue that harnesses the power of speech demonstrates that it is most important, because it is through our words that we may live or die.
– Say the right thing–something smart and influence the masses–and you can change or even save the world.
– Say the wrong thing–something stupid, inflammatory, and damaging–and it can literally mean your or someone else’s life.
From an early age, we come to recognize that communication is so important to our success.
Hey, I need a bottle or diaper changed…please!
Or answer the (interview) questions well, and you can land yourself in the best schools and jobs and even with the best ladies. 🙂
Those that succeed with communication, can we make themselves and their positions heard, understood, and accepted.
What are some common communication strategies people employ?
Well as we’ve all learned, it’s not always the one who is the boldest, screams the loudest, or repeats themselves the most that wins the argument–although at times, that too can work when force of debate, undeterred passion, and a little crazy can hammer the points home.
Having the best laid out and most rationale argument–some people will rightfully be influenced by logic and common sense.
Sincerity, integrity, honesty, and appealing to people’s gut and emotions–this certainly goes a long way as many people are driven by their feelings as well as their instincts and genuine character assessment of others.
Making people confront what scares the hell out of them–fear is a big motivator for action and everyone is afraid of something and usually many things.
Oh, of course, the religious argument that “It’s what G-d wants” and there will be fire and brimstone if you don’t do it that way–well reward and punishment, heaven and hell, divine justice–that certainly will move masses.
“The pen is mightier than the sword.”
For those who can effectively harness the power of their speech and intellect, the sky is the limit. 😉
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Oh, Change!
What an astute comic this is about change.
“Who wants change?” Everyone raises their hands enthusiastically.
“Who wants to change?” Everyone has their hands and eyes down.
I suppose that is the difference between a nice lofty but esoteric concept, and something that actually impacts us and requires our attention, resources, and hard work.
So what sounds good for the masses in a speech or article may sound entirely different when applied to the individual.
Who me change? No, that’s someone else’s problem!
– Global warming and environmental destruction–that’s coming from China now.
– Russian aggression in Ukraine, Georgia, the Baltic States–it’s a European issue.
– The Arab Spring with governments being overthrown and countries destabilizing into sectarian violence–that’s for The Gulf States to worry about.
– Higher taxes to pay for social entitlements–let the very rich pay for that.
– More security and surveillance for counter-terrorism initiatives–let’s just surgically target the bad guys with those.
Let’s face it–we all have a lot on our plates already and we are suckers for a good talking to about some broadly-based, fantastical future that is better, happier, healthier, and more peaceful and prosperous.
But what do you have to give up or sacrifice for this future utopia or making progress towards it…ah, that’s not a message we really want to get into now, is it?
Change…it’s good for the next guy and gal; let me have my cake and eat it too. 😉
(Source Photo: here with attribution to starecat.com)
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