Zawer's Inkwell

Bruce Lee is one of the many figures I look up to for seeking inspiration and encouragement. He's a pop culture icon who is not only known for his martial artistry and successful filmmaking skills but also for his adherence to a life-changing worldview. He is considered, by  Time Magazine , as one of the most influential figures of the century along the lines of Mohammad Ali.  Even though Bruce Lee is renowned by many for his speed, power, and agility, one of Lee's most famous quotes doesn't have anything to do with physical prowess whatsoever but is reminiscent of the teachings of  Laozi  (Lao-tzu), who was a Chinese Philosopher known for his emphasis on having inner peace. What I admire from his teachings is the importance of simplicity and detachment from material desires. Enough chatter! The quote goes as follows: Empty Your Mind. Be Formless, Shapeless like Water . Now you put water into a cup it becomes the cup. You put water into a bottle it becomes the bottl...

Niccolo Machiavelli 's legacy, throughout history, has been tarnished so greatly by notoriety that today the term " Machiavellian " (which is named after him) is considered synonymous with cunningness, craftiness, and unscrupulousness. Not only that but there is a personality trait called " Machiavellianism " named after this person which refers to (and you guessed it) cunningness, manipulation, and callousness; the traits that are normally observed in individuals with psychopathic tendencies. But what did this man do to earn this infamous reputation? Why are his theories considered so controversial? Why is there a whole personality trait named after this person? Before we get into the thick of it, let's get to know who Machiavelli was. Introduction Niccolo di Bernardo Dei Machiavelli was born on May 3, 1469 in Florence, Italy. He was a diplomat, philosopher, author, and historian. Throughout his life, he wrote many books, poems, and plays and served in man...