The 10 Biggest Influences on Zen Habits

“You must not lose faith in humanity. Humanity is an ocean; if a few drops of the ocean are dirty, the ocean does not become dirty.” - Mahatma Gandhi

No writer or person becomes fully formed without any influence from the outside world. I certainly didn’t — my writings are influenced by dozens of writers and people in my daily life, from the writers I’m in love with to my loved ones and more.

But there are 10 people who have influenced the content of this blog above all others, and though I run the danger of leaving out many important people with this list, I thought I’d share my influences with you, in hopes that they’ll be useful.

“The main thing is to keep the main thing the main thing.” - Stephen R. Covey

Elaine St. James. The biggest theme on this site, among several, is simplicity. It influences everything I write about. And Elaine St. James’ writings have undoubtedly taught me most of what I know about simplicity. Read my book review.
David Allen. In the earlier days of this site, I wrote a lot about David Allen’s Getting Things Done … I don’t write as much about it anymore, but his methods inform much of what I do and write about, and I don’t give him enough credit. He was obviously a big inspiration for Zen To Done and other posts. If you’re not familiar with GTD, buy the book, or read more: GTD FAQ, Massive GTD Resource List, Beginner’s Guide to GTD, and more.
Stephen Covey. I don’t know if I’ve written directly about Covey and his highly influential 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, but I read him when I was young and I think some of his principles have influenced me ever since. Of course, I wrote about his Big Rocks, and this concept of important over urgent is key to Zen To Done.
Lifehacker. Gina Trapani and Adam Pash and crew at Lifehacker showed me what a great blog can do. They’ve been an inspiration for Zen Habits, obviously, since Day 1, and many of my concepts were learned about through them.
Fly Lady. I’ve been a fan of FlyLady.net for awhile now, and if you’ve ever read her and Zen Habits, you’d probably guess that. She taught me about the power of routines and baby steps, both important concepts here.
Get Rich Slowly. J.D. Roth at Get Rich Slowly was one of the first bloggers I read regularly, and his no-frills, authentic voice showed me what blogging should be, and what I could do. I often compare him to Darren Rowse of ProBlogger, only because they both write with authenticity. GRS also influenced many of my concepts about frugality and common-sense personal finance.
Your Money or Your Life. If J.D. Roth influenced my personal finance philosophy, Joe Dominguez and Vicki Robin set the foundation with Your Money or Your Life. Their book will transform your life. Read my book review.
Gandhi. I’m not sure how to describe Gandhi’s influence over this site, as I don’t often write directly about his teachings. But he taught me about simplicity, about using love to conquer your enemies, and about the essential truth of the human spirit. He influences who I am, and therefore what I write. I should write more about this sometime. Read his autobiography and one of my favorites, The Essential Gandhi.
43 Folders. Like Lifehacker, Merlin Mann’s 43 Folders was a favorite of mine before I started Zen Habits. His writing is fun and inventive, his tips are insightful, and his site is extremely useful. He doesn’t seem to write as much anymore, but I’m sure he’s extremely busy. Wonderful writer. Update: I didn’t know this, but apparently Merlin isn’t writing as much because he’s on paternity leave. Thanks Balfour!
Zen Buddhism. I’ve been criticized for using the word “Zen” in the title of this blog as a commercialized appropriation of the word, so that I could seem “cool”. I accept that criticism, although I honestly never intended for it to be that way. I’ve also been criticized because I don’t write about Zen, or because my writings aren’t “Zen”. I accept that as well. However, even if I don’t write about Zen, there is no doubt in my mind that some of the principles of Zen Buddhism have greatly influenced this site. When I write about focusing on the now, on the task before you, that is from my readings of Zen. When I write about running being my zazen, and about finding the essentials in our lives, that is also from my readings of Zen. The book that influenced me most was probably Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind.
Bonus: My mom. I just had to mention the person who is the biggest influence on who I am, and therefore influences this site daily. My mom is a wonderful person, caring, passionate, kind, patient. I aspire to be as good as her. I’ve followed in her footsteps, first as a journalist, later in politics, and now in pursuing something that I’m passionate about — I blog, and she is launching a non-profit online encyclopedia about Guam called Guampedia (not launched yet).

“I believe in equality for everyone, except reporters and photographers.” - Mahatma Gandhi

The 10 Biggest Influences on Zen Habits

“You must not lose faith in humanity. Humanity is an ocean; if a few drops of the ocean are dirty, the ocean does not become dirty.” - Mahatma Gandhi

“The main thing is to keep the main thing the main thing.” - Stephen R. Covey

Elaine St. James. The biggest theme on this site, among several, is simplicity. It influences everything I write about. And Elaine St. James’ writings have undoubtedly taught me most of what I know about simplicity. Read my book review.
David Allen. In the earlier days of this site, I wrote a lot about David Allen’s Getting Things Done … I don’t write as much about it anymore, but his methods inform much of what I do and write about, and I don’t give him enough credit. He was obviously a big inspiration for Zen To Done and other posts. If you’re not familiar with GTD, buy the book, or read more: GTD FAQ, Massive GTD Resource List, Beginner’s Guide to GTD, and more.
Stephen Covey. I don’t know if I’ve written directly about Covey and his highly influential 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, but I read him when I was young and I think some of his principles have influenced me ever since. Of course, I wrote about his Big Rocks, and this concept of important over urgent is key to Zen To Done.
Lifehacker. Gina Trapani and Adam Pash and crew at Lifehacker showed me what a great blog can do. They’ve been an inspiration for Zen Habits, obviously, since Day 1, and many of my concepts were learned about through them.
Fly Lady. I’ve been a fan of FlyLady.net for awhile now, and if you’ve ever read her and Zen Habits, you’d probably guess that. She taught me about the power of routines and baby steps, both important concepts here.
Get Rich Slowly. J.D. Roth at Get Rich Slowly was one of the first bloggers I read regularly, and his no-frills, authentic voice showed me what blogging should be, and what I could do. I often compare him to Darren Rowse of ProBlogger, only because they both write with authenticity. GRS also influenced many of my concepts about frugality and common-sense personal finance.
Your Money or Your Life. If J.D. Roth influenced my personal finance philosophy, Joe Dominguez and Vicki Robin set the foundation with Your Money or Your Life. Their book will transform your life. Read my book review.
Gandhi. I’m not sure how to describe Gandhi’s influence over this site, as I don’t often write directly about his teachings. But he taught me about simplicity, about using love to conquer your enemies, and about the essential truth of the human spirit. He influences who I am, and therefore what I write. I should write more about this sometime. Read his autobiography and one of my favorites, The Essential Gandhi.
43 Folders. Like Lifehacker, Merlin Mann’s 43 Folders was a favorite of mine before I started Zen Habits. His writing is fun and inventive, his tips are insightful, and his site is extremely useful. He doesn’t seem to write as much anymore, but I’m sure he’s extremely busy. Wonderful writer. Update: I didn’t know this, but apparently Merlin isn’t writing as much because he’s on paternity leave. Thanks Balfour!
Zen Buddhism. I’ve been criticized for using the word “Zen” in the title of this blog as a commercialized appropriation of the word, so that I could seem “cool”. I accept that criticism, although I honestly never intended for it to be that way. I’ve also been criticized because I don’t write about Zen, or because my writings aren’t “Zen”. I accept that as well. However, even if I don’t write about Zen, there is no doubt in my mind that some of the principles of Zen Buddhism have greatly influenced this site. When I write about focusing on the now, on the task before you, that is from my readings of Zen. When I write about running being my zazen, and about finding the essentials in our lives, that is also from my readings of Zen. The book that influenced me most was probably Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind.
Bonus: My mom. I just had to mention the person who is the biggest influence on who I am, and therefore influences this site daily. My mom is a wonderful person, caring, passionate, kind, patient. I aspire to be as good as her. I’ve followed in her footsteps, first as a journalist, later in politics, and now in pursuing something that I’m passionate about — I blog, and she is launching a non-profit online encyclopedia about Guam called Guampedia (not launched yet).

“I believe in equality for everyone, except reporters and photographers.” - Mahatma Gandhi

Spewed into the world on 13 February 2008 in Aboutzenhabits, Books |
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Brilliant comments (56)

Susan Kishner Says:

February 13th, 2008, 1:19 am

I found your site on technorati and read a few of your other posts. Keep up the good work. I just added your RSS feed to my Google News Reader. Looking forward to reading more from you.

Susan Kishner

Working Girl Says:

February 13th, 2008, 1:29 am

Tremendously useful and interesting! Your blog is such a role model for the rest of us–thanks for the glimpse of how you got to this point.

Miss Gisele from myBeautyMatch.com Says:

February 13th, 2008, 1:38 am

Leo,

It’s obvious that your mentors would be proud of how far you’ve come and how well you’ve been able to follow their teaching or used their experience to propel yourself.

Miss Gisele B!!!

Andrew Brunelle Says:

February 13th, 2008, 1:49 am

I am surprised not to see Henry David Thoreau on here. Maybe he is in your top 20. He is yet another model for simplicity. Walden is what inspired my minimalist thinking and lifestyle. Ghandi is also a powerhouse, with his famous quote, “Live simply so that others may simply live.” Thanks for another great post.

Leo Says:

February 13th, 2008, 2:03 am

Thanks guys!

@Andrew: Yes, Thoreau would be on the list if I could expand it a bit more. He has definitely inspired me.

Amir Ahmad | PassionBasedLearning.com Says:

February 13th, 2008, 2:20 am

Wonderful post Leo. Thanks for sharing these insights.

In case I never mentioned it, I just launched my blog less than 2 weeks ago and it’s doing surprisingly well. Try and guess who was my number 1 inspiration to start it? Yes, that’s right. YOU! :)

I say this sincerely. And you know why? Because if in one year, a guy who is married, working and has SIX kids can make time to blog a quality post almost EVERYDAY and STILL accomplish the huge things you have, I believe I can build a decent blog. After all, I’m still a student (about to graduate and work soon), I’m not married and I have no kids. I don’t even have the responsibilities you do.

So thanks a lot Leo. You inspired me and I think a lot of us newbies to believe. :)

Sidharth Varma Says:

February 13th, 2008, 2:37 am

Hey great post. Never heard about Elaine but will definitely try to find out and read more.

I really like your blog, I have been reading this for quite some time now and all of it makes sense

Jesse Hines, Vigorous Writing Says:

February 13th, 2008, 2:56 am

Interesting list. The one who stood out the most for me is J.D. Roth of Get Rich Slowly. His blog is (along with Zen Habits) is on my short list of top reads.

Leo, you’ve both got similar stories too–as I understand it, you both started out blogging as a side thing and have recently gone full-time, leaving the day job behind. Real-life examples of blogging success.

Iris M. Gross Says:

February 13th, 2008, 2:57 am

I wish I could give “Your Money or Your Life” to everybody I know. My outlook on money and entitlement hasn’t been the same since. It’s something everybody can use even if they don’t want to move to the country and milk goats for a living.

I have a book suggestion along those lines, Leo. I did a search and didn’t find a review, but I highly recommend “Nothing’s Too Small To Make A Difference”, by Wanda Urbanska and her husband Frank Levering. It’s very intelligent writing on building community, doing what you love to do, and how NOT to keep up with the Joneses. I hope you can find a copy where you are.

Oh and in my opinion, those who have a problem with not being educated on the principles of Zen Buddhism on this site can just b****r off! You’ve got a good thing going here, and “zen” is one of those words that no longer means what it used to, kind of like “gay”! That said, still can’t use it in Scrabble.

Carole Fogarty Says:

February 13th, 2008, 3:55 am

Fabulous thank you. Insightful, potent yet simple as always.

As a passionate reader and learner of life I’m not sure where to start in listing my ten biggest influences. A perfect question for my next journaling session.

Peace, love and chocolate

Carole

http://www.thehealthylivinglounge.com

Paprikapink Says:

February 13th, 2008, 4:19 am

Hail, Flybaby well met! And Elaine St. James was a big influence on me as well. A great list, Leo. I’m sure there are many more influences; it must have been hard to distill it to ten.

Have you blogged regarding the degree to which your wife shares your interest in/commitment to these kinds of things? I am torn between wanting to send my husband a link to every wonderful new tool/technique I’m finding (many through you) and wanting to keep it all to myself at least until my habits are more thoroughly established. He’s already seen me go through a few fads…

maneeesh Says:

February 13th, 2008, 6:41 am

I have only read two out of the many books that you listed as influences..covey’s 7 habits and gandhi’s autobio.. and somehow the latter didn’t meet my expectations while the former exceeded it..

having said that.. the experiments with truth has had a far reaching influence on me than any other book I have ever read.. I would suggest anyone who reads gandhi’s bio to read it with an open mind and not cloud it with preconceived notions about the man..

nice post leo, it is certainly not easy to give credit where it is due openly (at least for me :D )

James Says:

February 13th, 2008, 7:03 am

thanks for sharing!

Amy Says:

February 13th, 2008, 8:15 am

Leo….sorry, don’t get the last quote about reporters and photographers…..is he saying that those types of people are bad, or good for spreadin the word?

Thanks.

jewelfaerie.com Says:

February 13th, 2008, 8:33 am

Hi Leo!

I have to second Amir’s vote for you being a big influence! :-) I also want to give kudos to FlyLady as well, her no-nonsense approach (NO COMPLAINING!) is great fun!

Moms are great…mine is a big influence as well. She taught me to love books and culture and be curious!

Maura Says:

February 13th, 2008, 8:43 am

My biggest challenge: regaining faith in humanity…. I have seen too much ugliness. Such a dirty ocean, so few drops that are not…

“You must not lose faith in humanity. Humanity is an ocean; if a few drops of the ocean are dirty, the ocean does not become dirty.” - Mahatma Gandhi

Leo, you’re a bright, clean spot shining to inspire others.

blogrdoc Says:

February 13th, 2008, 9:52 am

Big ups for Covey. When I took in his concepts 10 years ago, it was truly like opening my eyes for the first time. In my humble opinion, Covey is 101 fundamentals and GTD is 201 techniques. For anyone who doesn’t know the productivity matrix, I encourage you to go to the library and check it out. (use audio book for direct mental injection).

Big ups for Ghandi. His quote on “Eye for an eye” nearly knocked me over when I read it. Talk about instantaneous enlightenment.

Balfour Says:

February 13th, 2008, 10:06 am

Great post.
In case someone else doesn’t mention it, the reason Merlin Mann isn’t posting so much lately is that he’s on paternity leave! and posting as he is able, with mostly guest spots filling in.

Frugal Dad Says:

February 13th, 2008, 10:14 am

I’m definitely with you on #7 - Your Money or Your Life. It’s one of only a handful of books that has truly transformed my life, and will completly change the way you think about money - how to earn it and how to spend it.

Israel Says:

February 13th, 2008, 10:32 am

My mom, daughter, and wife are my inspiration.

Hans Says:

February 13th, 2008, 11:07 am

It is quite interesting to know who has influence your work. Everybody is influence by somebody. In my case, I really like Skellie blog. I also want to thanks my wife and my children for their true support! I would be who I’m without them!

Mike Vardy Says:

February 13th, 2008, 11:13 am

Leo,

I’m fine with being #14. I figure that’s where you’ve slated me in - and that’s okay with me.

You’re in my Top 10 - which I will post on the site…eventually.

Take care,
Mike Vardy, E.P.E.

Double Danger Says:

February 13th, 2008, 11:20 am

Always wondered where your inspirato from. My Mom is definitely high on the list. My list of course, not yours… I hope. haha

Jason R Says:

February 13th, 2008, 11:54 am

Leo, thanks for the list. I’m reading GTD right now. I’ve already started using some of the techniques he talks about.
I also read Lilfehacker everyday. They usually have a lot of good info on there. I can say that I’ve searched their archives more than once, looking for how to do something, or recommendations or tips… great resource.
I have read 43 folders, but I guess with Merlin not posting often, I sort of fell off reading that blog. Maybe I’ll check it out again.
I’m giong to put “your money or your life” on my list of books to read. Thanks for suggesting it!!

Keala Says:

February 13th, 2008, 12:17 pm

I love flylady and S. Covey.

I did the baby steps for flylady.

Pablo Says:

February 13th, 2008, 12:39 pm

I think you are using the word “Zen” correctly. I also like to read about it and practice it. I’ ve read Suzuki but my Zen master is Alan Watts, maybe due to my western culture background is simpler for me to understand an Englich man as an interpeter of eastern knowledge.
Regarding to your critics, I think that telling somebody that he uses the word “zen” (or tao, feng shui, etc) to appear as cool has now become a cliche itself. That’s because a great number of people use that words with that concious or unconcious purpose. But it’s not you case I think.
Keep your great writing.
Pablo

Kristy Says:

February 13th, 2008, 12:42 pm

It’s lovely to have so many inspirational people in various forms who help us create our lives. I can be added to the list of many who have been inspired by YOU. Thanks, Leo!

me Says:

February 13th, 2008, 13:01 pm

Gandhi did not believe in ‘equality’ for south african blacks, he thought they were inferior. Typical PC bs./whitewashing on your part, and if you think that ‘zen’ ‘buddism’ is anything like the slickly packaged pop psychology you read, you’re inaccurate about that as Gandhi.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2003/oct/17/southafrica.india
Gandhi branded racist as Johannesburg honours freedom fighter

Stephen Martile Says:

February 13th, 2008, 13:21 pm

Hi Leo - nice call on your bonus #11.

Moms are the best!

Terra Says:

February 13th, 2008, 14:36 pm

Thanks for this wonderful post. I can’t wait to explore all of your influences.

Miss Thrifty Says:

February 13th, 2008, 16:48 pm

Reading Getting Things Done is definitely on my list of things to do. I’m sure that Zen Habits is going to be on a lot of people “influences” lists, as well. You’ve don a great job making your work “insanely useful.” :)

kekilia Says:

February 13th, 2008, 16:57 pm

Thanks for your posts. Of all the books I’ve had, Elaine’s book is the only one I have kept for 12 years. I bought my Brazilian edition of Simplify Your Life in 1995. Besides that, I’ve known Flylady since I first read about her in 1994 in Woman’s Day. I confess I still have a long way to go. But now that I stumbled upon your blog last year, I feel I will improve a lot more in 2008.
Thanks again!

Mark Says:

February 13th, 2008, 16:57 pm

Excellent post. Thanks for sharing these great resources.

FFB Says:

February 13th, 2008, 17:36 pm

Funny you mention Get Rich Slowly and ProBlogger. Those two and your site are what influenced me to start mine. I wonder how many others can contribute their start to the three of you?

Thanks for being out here to discover and influencing us all!

Eric Says:

February 13th, 2008, 18:11 pm

Magnificent! You’re a great influence for me!

Tamar Weinberg Says:

February 13th, 2008, 19:41 pm

Leo, you inspire us all the time. :)

mary Says:

February 13th, 2008, 21:24 pm

Leo,
I find myself thinking, “thank you, Leo”, when in the course of a day I follow the course of doing the 3 MIT’s, remembering what is important and what is not. It’s brought a sense of serenity to my otherwise productive, busy life. Covey’s big rocks remain a concept I think of regularly. Because of your inspiration, I have improved my eating habits, my exercise habits, and just become more mindful. Thank you and know that we out here truly appreciate your pearls of wisdom.

Putta Says:

February 13th, 2008, 22:11 pm

As a practicing Buddhist, His teachings are my inspiration. The more I read them, the more I understand myself, my limits, my arrogance and become inspired to change them to the better…

Anyhow, I’ve tried to read St. James in the near future as your blog is one of my regulars these days.

Thank you.

Dawn Says:

February 13th, 2008, 23:10 pm

Awesome list. I read LifeHacker every day (I think I found your site through LH), and I’ve just started reading Getting Things Done.

Leo Says:

February 14th, 2008, 1:22 am

You guys are so damn encouraging! Thanks for all the wonderful comments. I am humbled by them — to think that I am an inspiration to any of you, even in the smallest way, is awe inspiring to me. :)

Eugene (Editor, Varsity Blah) Says:

February 14th, 2008, 1:32 am

My biggest inspirations right now are Anthony Robbins and Stephen Covey. There’s definitely a lot of timeless wisdom in what they teach and it’s something we can all learn from!

Ted Says:

February 14th, 2008, 1:39 am

Wow! It seems we like the same books! I love Covey and I respect Allen.I keep finding posts about these two books, but all of them are just book reviews. A couple of months ago I came across these posts http://www.wrike.com/blog/7/10/2007/Wrike_helps_you_get_things_done and http://www.wrike.com/blog/12/13/2007/Make_Wrike_a_part_of_your_7_habits_for_becoming_highly_effective It seems like software developers began to read good books too. And the tool they develop is actually interesting.

Steven Says:

February 14th, 2008, 11:30 am

I read Elaine St. James’ three books about 10 years ago and haven’t heard from her since. Does anyone know what she has been doing?

Eric Spitzfaden Says:

February 14th, 2008, 11:53 am

I had a boss some years ago who taught me the importance of making a list and then deciding what actually had to get done. I didn’t really learn any new productivity skills until I had a fever in November of 2007. I spent a few days reading Zenhabits.net and learning about GTD. When I came back to work I cleaned off my desk, emptied out my inbox and got so many things done, my co workers thought something was the matter.

http://www.ericsprojects.com/?p=193 (my desk)

My desk is still as clean as it was then and now I read Zenhabits.net and Writetodone.com as inspiration. I am working towards the day I can quite my day job and Blog my projects full time.

Thanks Leo, you have been a great inspiration!
-Eric

Robin Noelle Says:

February 14th, 2008, 13:04 pm

Back when I was in sales, I listened to Zig Ziglar all the time. The lessons from his sales training tapes applied to a lot of things in my life and he’s a funny, engaging story teller.

I don’t care nearly as much for Tony Robbins, but his challenge to think nothing but positive thoughts for seven days really did change my life.

Kelly Rigby Says:

February 14th, 2008, 17:38 pm

I love the idea of this post. It really makes you think about your own influences, and discover more about other people. For some reason, I have never felt drawn to buy The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, but maybe I should give it a shot.

Gandhi would be one of my key influences too. My creed for life is “BE THE CHANGE YOU WANT TO SEE IN THE WORLD”. My list would also include Louise Hay’s YOU CAN HEAL YOUR LIFE. Simple, yet inspiring.

:) Kelly

dani Says:

February 15th, 2008, 14:59 pm

I’d love to hear your comments on 12-step programs sometime, if you wanted to read the “big books” of AA or Workaholics Anonymous or visit some meetings for a while. (not just one - they’re too short for that!) Because it overlaps so much with what you write about, and often seems like it is the next step up in a lot of these areas. It would be very interesting to see where you think it overlaps and how it seems different than or similar to what you practice. Field trip!

Laurie Says:

February 16th, 2008, 22:46 pm

Super post. I’m new to your sight Leo and find it very inspiring. I am also a regular reader of The Simple Marriage Project: http://www.simplemarriage.net. It also has a lot of wonderful ideas for living life fully alive. You should check it out.
:O)

Leo Says:

February 17th, 2008, 15:17 pm

@dani: Regarding my thoughts on 12-step programs … I haven’t actually gone through one myself, so I can’t comment first-hand … but from what I’ve read and what I’ve heard, I think they do an excellent job for thousands if not millions of people in need. That’s proof enough for me that they are a good idea.

As for what overlaps and what doesn’t between my writings here on Zen Habits and the 12-step programs … I think the 12-step programs are more focused on healing through God (which I don’t have a problem with whatsoever), while I try to express things that can be done by anyone, whether they are spiritual or not. I can see how there is overlap, however: we both try to help others lift themselves up through inspiration and practical steps.

Thanks for the excellent question!

Leo sebastian Says:

February 18th, 2008, 1:05 am

Leo,

Seems like you read Gandhi from another ‘Gandhi Evangelizer’. There are lots to the story about how he really was. He was supposed to be a racist and a strong communalist. Whatever the ‘History’ has recorded/manipulated the mere fact that HE SUPPORTED THE PARTITION OF INDIA shows how much morale he had. I dont think philosophy of zen goes well with Gandhi just because he used less clothes. (he was strictly against science,technology and advancements.) By the way am an Indian too.

Zack Says:

February 20th, 2008, 15:00 pm

Great post Leo. And look, Gandhi is not communist or racist like someone else said here. He co-founded the Indian National CONGRESS.

He believed in peace and non-violence. If you check historic records, you could know that Gandhi was not happy with the partition and actually, he gave consent since there was a lot of violence because of it (Muslims needed Pakistan).

He was spiritual and believed in meditation and other values. He’s simple in his life and dressing. Never in his life, has he become agitated or angry. He always projected calmness and tranquility.

Its unfortunate people turn against these people. Gandhi, Lincoln & Nicola Tesla are my biggest influences

Dot Hage Says:

February 22nd, 2008, 10:26 am

A lot of my favorites are on your list. My favorite Gandhi quote: “There is more to life than increasing its speed.”

Ani Says:

February 27th, 2008, 10:06 am

The Dalai Lama, Mother Teresa and my mother are my biggest influences. The Dalai Lama for his compassion and wisdom, Mother Teresa for her altruism and engagement, and my mother for her unselfish and undiscriminating generosity and love to everybody.

Steve Harold - Hypnotherapist Says:

July 10th, 2008, 7:24 am

A great list. Makee me think about what would be in my list of influencers

Darth Brooks Says:

January 2nd, 2009, 18:44 pm

Not mentioning Zen while trying to incorporate it into your life is in fact, “Zen.”

Ramesh Says:

January 7th, 2009, 10:24 am

Looks like i am devouring your site ever since i discovered it a few days ago.

I come from the land of Gandhi and he has been one of the BIGGEST (The font limits me in size to describe..how big..)..influences in my life.

Sadly here…Gandhi is now more of a FAD than a reality.

Youth of this country, when asked about who Gandhi was…, Would honestly say that…he was a person from the medieval period or some person who lived 500 years ago. No irony when i say this.

Little do they know that this small thin man brought the Mighty british empire to its Knees…(Literally)

Good going mate.

Keep the blogging going..

cheers
Ramesh

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