Wednesday, April 6, 2011

Example - What Kind do You Set?

The letter E is for Example!


"Setting an example is not the main means for influencing another, it is the only means." - Albert Einstein

"The old begin to complain of the conduct of the young when they themselves are no longer able to set a bad example." - Francois de la Rouchefoucauld

“He that gives good advice, builds with one hand; he that gives good counsel and example, builds with both; but he that gives good admonition and bad example, builds with one hand and pulls down with the other.” - Francis Bacon, Sr.

"Setting a good example for your children takes all the fun out of middle age." - William Feather

Do you care what kind of example you set for others?
Are you aware of how your actions influence those around you?
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28 comments:

  1. Duncan D. Horne - the Kuantan bloggerApril 6, 2011 at 3:22 AM

    Yes absolutely. "You might be the only Bible some people read."
    "Your actions ring so loudly in my ears that I can hardly hear what you're saying." (I forget who that quote is from)

    It doesn't matter how good one is at talking, it's example that will make the greatest impression.

    Duncan In Kuantan

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  2. Will BurkeApril 6, 2011 at 4:07 AM

    I don't know if I'd call it setting an example, but I try to make my actions reflect my ideals. Except with my child; I'm quite aware that I'm modelling the men she will likely date & marry. eep.

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  3. Misha GerrickApril 6, 2011 at 4:52 AM

    Good post!

    I do tend to be at least a little aware of my influence on other people, but I don't let it control my life.

    I'm with Will on this, my actions reflects my ideals and beliefs, not because I want people to learn from me (which is sometimes a bonus) but because I think that hiding behind a mask of social norms makes me suffocate.

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  4. Bish DenhamApril 6, 2011 at 6:53 AM

    When I first starting working with abused, neglected and emotionally disturbed kids I realized very quickly that what I expected of them, I had to do as well. So...no smoking, no cussing, make my bed in the morning, help with daily chores. The list was long. They learned by seeing what I did. And, they respected me for it.

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  5. AnonymousApril 6, 2011 at 7:06 AM

    Love the William Feather quote. I think one of the biuggest things one can give back to the world is setting a good example for the youth to follow.

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  6. Debora DennisApril 6, 2011 at 7:41 AM

    I always want to be a good example for my children - sometimes, I admit, it's more a case of "here's an example of what NOT to do..." LOL

    Welcome to the A to Z blogging challenge! :)

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  7. J.L. CampbellApril 6, 2011 at 7:42 AM

    Love, love, love the quotes from Einstein and Bacon. I'll tell you something, I try to set a good example for my child. It's such that if I say or do something I shouldn't, he says something like '...but Mummy, didn't you say not to say or do such a thing."

    Yep, it's a good thing to follow ones words with good examples.

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  8. Hilary Melton-ButcherApril 6, 2011 at 7:43 AM

    Hi Margot .. not having kids, I still try and set good examples to all around .. I know I fail .. but I do my best for my mother at the moment & that's important.

    Your quotes brought to mind the Alice in Wonderland's poem "You are old Father William ...."

    Too true! Cheers and thanks for the visit .. good to be here .. Hilary

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  9. Laura S.April 6, 2011 at 7:56 AM

    Great quotes! I have six niephlings, and I definitely care about what kind of example I'm setting. I'm the cool, fun aunt, kind of like a friend, and they look up to me. That's quite a responsibility.

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  10. BARBIEApril 6, 2011 at 8:30 AM

    I only hope and pray that I set a good example for those who are in my life, especially my children. Love the quotes!

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  11. junebugApril 6, 2011 at 10:29 AM

    I do care! It is the only truly promote positive change. Talk is cheap. I would rather be considered a doer.

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  12. UnknownApril 6, 2011 at 10:53 AM

    Hi Margo! Great E topic for the challenge. I worry about setting a good example for my four nephews and even their friends.

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  13. PK HREZOApril 6, 2011 at 11:00 AM

    Yep. I do not agree with that saying "do as I say, not as I do." If I don't want someone else doing it, I certainly have no business doing it.

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  14. MyneApril 6, 2011 at 11:21 AM

    Lovely and encouraging post. As a Christian, this is always at the back of my mind.

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  15. Murees DupèApril 6, 2011 at 11:37 AM

    Thank you so much for stopping by and following my blog. I do care. I simply do the best I can and hopefully it is enough for someone to learn from.

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  16. alberta rossApril 6, 2011 at 12:07 PM

    got here - so many blogs to wander around - have caught up on yours all good am commneting on this one because setting a good example is essential in life it we want good behaviour around us. It doesn't have to take the joy from life as some like to suggests - I spent many years looking after children and saw that the way adults behaved was how they did also - so rude children usualy have rude adults around them. Violent beviour is learnt from those around. So important. thanks for good posts

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  17. ReginaApril 6, 2011 at 12:25 PM

    Of course I do. I may not be the best example for everyone, but I still care. I think this is a great post for the A-Z challenge. Fun stuff.

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  18. Elizabeth McKenzieApril 6, 2011 at 1:08 PM

    Setting an example doesn't always mean someone will be turned on by it, and want to exemplify it, maybe someone is really turned off by a bad example and in that case, that would be a good thing.

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  19. KrisApril 6, 2011 at 1:13 PM

    I liked the Einstein quote. I think I'll take that one with me.

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  20. UnknownApril 6, 2011 at 1:27 PM

    I gave up on trying to be a good example, not only was I letting everyone else down but myself as well. Love your blog, off to explore it more.

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  21. WandaApril 6, 2011 at 2:59 PM

    Excellent pick for today. I try to live my life according to the principles I believe in and hopefully someone will find that exemplary.

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  22. Jennifer HoffineApril 6, 2011 at 6:03 PM

    Excellent quotes. I've never read the Francis Bacon Sr. one. Just like in writing, it's more effective to show than tell.

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  23. TrishaApril 6, 2011 at 6:11 PM

    Great quotes, Margo! And yes, I definitely care what kind of example I set. I want to be a good person and role model for others if I can help it.

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  24. Tyrean MartinsonApril 6, 2011 at 7:08 PM

    Wonderful quotes, and yes, I also care what kind of example I set, especially with my daughters.
    http://tyreanswritingspot.blogspot.com/

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  25. Cally JacksonApril 6, 2011 at 11:52 PM

    A quote that sums this up for me is 'be the change you wish to see in the world'. I think that was Ghandi. I try & live by that (but don't always succeed!).

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  26. Charmaine ClancyApril 7, 2011 at 12:34 AM

    As a teacher it's important to me to set a good example, sometimes I provide a good example of getting things wonderfully wrong and then laughing at yourself :)

    Wagging Tales - Blog for Writers

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  27. Stephanie VApril 7, 2011 at 8:07 AM

    I do care but I find it's sometimes difficult to live up to my own expectations. My kids seem to have absorbed most of what I value so I guess that's the best answer.

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  28. Amy WoodApril 8, 2011 at 3:24 PM

    I do try to set a good example. Those are great quotes!

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