Signature Quotes

[Gibsoniam]

I've observed over my year or so around here how many of us have interesting quotes to go along with our signatures. While almost everyone references where their quote came from, I thought it might be interesting to find out WHY we chose the particular quotes we did. What is it about your tagline that makes it stick in your mind to use as a signature? What is it that you are communicating with your tagline?

"But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God." Acts 20:24, English Standard Version

I once heard a very powerful sermon, during a very difficult time in my life, that had this verse from the New Testament as its core. Paul had just been writing about the difficulties he knew lay ahead for him, including imprisonment and afflictions. Yet his focus was so set on doing what mattered most- the work of God- that he chose not to let that distract him from his purpose in life. What I was going through at the time was distracting me greatly from my priorities, and my responsibilities to my church. This verse for me is a constant reminder, every time I see it, to keep my focus on what is most important in my life, even if events around me try to distract me.

I also sometimes use "The only reason for time is to keep everything from happening at once." (Buckaroo Banzai). But as I've gotten older and more responsible, I've learned that even TIME doesn't keep things from happening all at once. :eek:

Well, that's me. What about everyone else?

[zenheretic]

Hey Darth, my sigs are works in progress as I am not pleased with the phrasing as of yet.

Considering we live on a 70% water covered planet, and we are indeed mostly water ourselves, I find funny in a sick humor sort of way to reside in the middle of a desert.

Mushin is to act without thought. The word is Japanese but I am certain any martial art wants this, as to cut out thinking significantly increases reaction, or in this case action time...assuming it is the right action. It is something that has to happen...usually through hard/constant training. If it is sought, it shall never come, as you are thinking and if you are thinking you can not have no thought. Very yin yang, zen stuff.

[The Deacon]

The first is a carry over from a previous "online life". I kept it because pretty much sums up me up. Some things need to be said, whether anyone is listening or not. Some ideas need to be questioned, no matter how popular they are. Some things need to be sought after, no matter how slim the chance of finding them, but should not become obsessions.

The second is a reminder, another way of saying that those who forget the past are condemned to repeat it.

[Jim Malone]

well, mine is an Irish proverb. :rolleyes:

[Hillbilly]

Just wanted something to make people think, thats all.

[JBE]

Mine is a direct quote from the novel "Bringing Out the Dead" by Joe Connely... It just kind of sums of my overall feelings about still running calls after 13 years of working on the streets in EMS and still jumping in and out the back of ambulances...Also makes a point about my profession - very few runs are true life - threatening emergencies; most of the time we're called just to be there because a person either can't or doesn't know how to handle a situation, no matter how seemingly minor it is (hence "bearing witness")...

[Hannibal Lecter]

Good day, all.

I chose the quote that I did as something about it spoke to me on a deep emotional level; it reminds me to be more concerned with what I think of myself, my morality, my ethics, etc. than what others think, as public opinion tends to be fickle and popularity fleeting.

Sometimes it requires a fall from grace to put who you really are into perspective. I myself suffered such a fall of sorts a few years back, and it did require a great deal of soul-searching and self-analysis to determine on the most basic level who I was, where I had come from and where I was going.

In reality, I will occasionally glean a similar twisted amusement from someone else's fall from grace, not because of their suffering, but by knowing that they will ultimately be a better, stronger person for it after the fact.

--------
Hannibal

[raven]

Hello Darth, My signature is one of my favorite scriptures, and has encouraged me numerous times. I am a Christian, and accecpted Jesus into my life as My Lord and Savior at the age of 9. He has been my constant companion through thick and thin. This particular scripture helped me during a really rough time in my life. It reminded me that we are not alone, and if we call upon him, just like an Eagle, he will help us soar above our struggles and give us the strength to keep going and not give up. He will sustain us. The other part of my signature, just reminds me not to let yourself be forced into doing something your not prepared for. You face your challenges at your own time and on your own terms. Only within yourself do you know when to face a challenge and conquer it. I also put my signature for everyone to use, when they need that extra encouragement during a difficult time. ;)

God Bless :)


-raven-

[BlackNinja]

In any SD situation, it's what I believe. (As well as Mr. Lee, and I would bet Michael Cook, too ;) )

[boxer93]

Mine is an abbreviated quote from a movie. It sums up how I treat people, always. The second line is a constant reminder.
Chris

[Simple Man]

First one reminds me that what ever comes along in my life, God is bigger than the situation, good or bad. It also helps me keep my priorities in order. God, wife, kids, family, church, others, myself.

The second is from Sal himself, he posted it in a thread about ergonomics and ugly knives several years back, to me it summed up a lot of Spyderco's design theory. (Most)Tractors work and so do Spydies; function over form.

[Jurphaas]

Mine is the plain and simple truth - you all know that, don't you?
Jurphaas

[Gibsoniam]

To all who have a WTC # on your signature: are these the #s on your WTC edition knives? If so, I must say thanks to all of you who supported that project. If I remember right, a portion (or all?) of the $$$ went to aid for families of victims.

Its amazing what we can do when we come together, and it has always impressed me that Spyderco is so involved in helping people.

I also appreciate the responses in this thread. Opens new light on some folks and adds detail to others. Take care all, and God bless you all this year!

[swissknife]

it got nicely tranlsated from a forumite, but it seems i cannot find the thread. but its something like: no one shall impune me. as a peaceful person, i will fight my right to wether stand up for my opinion or else. just dont f**k with me.. :D

[Hannibal Lecter]

My Dear Swissknife,


it got nicely tranlsated from a forumite, but it seems i cannot find the thread. but its something like: no one shall impune me. as a peaceful person, i will fight my right to wether stand up for my opinion or else. just dont f**k with me.. :D

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nemo_me_impune_lacessit

An excerpt:

--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Nemo me impune lacessit (Latin: No-one provokes me with impunity) is the royal Scottish motto, used historically for the Kingdom of Scotland where it appeared on the Royal Arms of Scotland. Today it is the motto the monarch of the United Kingdom uses when in Scotland, and it appears on the Royal Coat of Arms of the United Kingdom for use in Scotland.

In layman's terms, it means "No-one messes with me and gets away with it".

It is also the motto of the Order of the Thistle, the Scottish chivalrous order, and of the Royal Scots, Scots Guards, and Black Watch regiments of the British Army. It will also be the motto of the new Royal Regiment of Scotland.

The motto appears as an inscription on the rim of the 1984 "Scottish" pressing of the British One Pound coin. This motto is referenced in the Edgar Allan Poe story "The Cask of Amontillado" (Poe was adopted by a Scottish merchant).
--------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Poe story is where I first encountered it; I am a big fan of his works.

--------
Hannibal

[Jordan]

My dad quoted mine to me the first time I came home from grade school sporting a shiner. I would say the fact that I did not come home with many more thereafter is at least in part due to his having said it to me.

[naggalowmo]

my quote is from the tv show futurama.
as of right now im a little torn between religion and science.
ive analyzing both perspectives and both have some really good ideas/arguements and i just cant decide.
watching this one episode was very meaningful to me and when i thought about it this quote was more than true.

[Slvgx]

I like the old Twilight Zone, and my quote is from one of my favortie episodes. No TZ is mind blowing, but I love them anyways.

[Gibsoniam]

I'm not one to prosletyze uninvited, so I won't. But I will tell you I've had many friends and acquaintances struggle through similar situations to yours, and I have this to say as encouragement:

To wrestle with your faith (or beliefs) is to better understand it and yourself. I myself did this when I was in high school. If you never question what you believe, I think C.S. Lewis called it a Crisis of Faith, you'll never fully appreciate it or understand it.

Also, there are certainly points where Science's conclusions seem to contradict those of Religion, but I find more often than not the two are complimentary rather than contradictory. For me, the Bible tells me WHY I'm here, and vaguely touches on details of HOW I got here. I'm not an evolutionist, but many things in Science point to HOW it is that I AM (biology, genetics, etc.), but I doubt Science willl ever be able to answer WHY I am here. I think the key in a journey like yours, from knowing people who have followed the Science/Religion path themselves, is to remain open minded to the truths that lurk in each and to seek them out more than to listen to what other people SAY Science and Religion declare.

Good luck on your Journey, and I know you will find what you seek.

[Goldtanker]

General Creighton Abrams was probably the best tank commander in the history of the world. I was fortunate enough to meet him as a young armor officer when he visited my tank company in 1966 in the woods near Tay Ninh. The quote is his response to Patton's request for a Situation Report in WWII. It is the absolute description of his courage and attitude.

The WTC numbers are my badge number from my other career and that of my deceased partner, both of us originally from NY.

[vampyrewolf]

Coffee before Conciousness
Need I say more? I may be upright but I'm not concious before at least my travelmug worth of coffee in me.

Why do people worry more if you argue with your voices than if you just talk with them? What about if you lose those arguements?
Sanity is LONG gone. So far away, it quit sending postcards. :D

will not respond to AED, start IV of double strength hot expresso...if Full Moon, cage first
This one came off a coffee thread on either here or BFC and was instantly added to my sig. I have blood in my coffee system :p

[naggalowmo]

thanks miklos for the insight

your right. in a way the bible does compliement science visa versa. sure the bible doesnt have all the answers but neither does science because to me both are a bit flawed. but thats okay because i can't have blind faith nor do i completely believe in scientology. perhaps the answer is to believe a little bit of both.

i think i'll continue my journey and even if i never reach the end i'll be fine with that. maybe thats just the way i was built.

[Gibsoniam]

I don't think anyone should have Blind Faith. That's phrase thrown around alot, especially by Christians (of which I am one) but I think its misleading. You must know what you believe. The Blind Faith of which Christians usually speak I think is too general. We have faith in something not seen or touched, but we can observe its existance by the influence it has around us. Much like the wind, we can't SEE wind, but we can see the efects of the wind. I believe wind exists because I see its effects, even if I can't see the wind.

Its a cliche example, but it works pretty well.

[raven]

Hey Darth, Here is a scripture close to what you said:

Hebrews 11:1 "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen".

God Bless :)


-raven-

[WOTANSON1]

Top line is the chorus from a song by Odin's Eye, which gives praise to the primary God of my faith Asatru (aka Odinism).ODIN is also called WOTAN and ALLFATHER.

Bottom line are the three most important aspects of my life taken together and are central to my Heathen beliefs, not in order of importance, but all of equal importance, one without the others is meaningless if you know what I mean. :)

Cheers,
Rob

[Spud Man]

After reading this discussion of signatures, I decided to add the signature that goes out on all of my emails. It is Latin for "The truth will set you free." It comes from the Gospel of John, and it has become a motto of mine.

The second part of my signature is one of the truths that has set me free. :D

Hey naggalowmo,

My prayers are with you that you will come to the end of your journey. And I second everything that darth said. Be ruthless in your search for the truth and I think you will find it.

[firespec35]

Mine is a simple reminder of what happened and the only way to truly honor their brave sacrifice it to remember every day. It's in my sig everywhere I post

[CopilotATS-55]

first one i found on the web
second one was ,i believe, 3rd season of MacGuyver
third is my new fave Spydie
fourth who designed my Avatar
5th are my two role models

[uhiforgot]

I have studied Aikido for about 4 years now, and in that time have learned a great deal about how to approach different situations and have them turn out for the best. My Sensei seems to be purely an Aikidoist from what I know of his prior study, but does keep an open mind to integration of other arts and always makes sure that we bow-out of the dojo with some food for thought.

Since the beginning, I have taken and reflected upon the many different pearls of wisdom bestowed upon me and my peers, and have gained an understanding of life that is difficult to describe.

I was once a very hot-tempered and arrogant person that through much of my middle and high school years was taking antidepressants to calm me down. While I cannot testify to any loss of arrogance, my temper has leveled and my approach to each day is different now that I have begun to understand ukemi.

I hold a great admiration for the late Morihei Ueshiba, and my signature line is what I feel embodies Aikido and O Sensei's philosophies.

-Jeff

[Axlis]

What a great thread topic, good way to get to know each other better!

As a Christian, I believe it is important that ALL come to know Jesus Christ and recieve salvation offered through him. That is why I chose my first quote from Matthew because it is an open invitation from Christ to the world to find "rest" in him. The proverb I have chosen kinda sums up as "Man's Ambition Vs. God's Will". Though we have our own plans and ways we would like to see things done, it is ultimately God's will that governs us.

And the Hawkbill bit kinda speaks for itself :D.

[vampyrewolf]

Hate to take this off topic, but what is it with christians and the "equality to man" thing? My extended family has a few different religions in it, and I'm the only one that gets ignored when some topics come up.
For example, homosexuals. "It's not the christian thing to do"... Leviticus 20:13 and Romans 1:26-32 say otherwise. If "the laws of god supercede the laws of state" can we run a lynch mob and be free from persecution from state?

Wonder why I get ignored? :rolleyes: :D

[Gibsoniam]

Staying "off topic" in the "off topic" forum:

Typically I've understood the concept of law, in regard to Christians, to be something like this:

If a law is passed that ALLOWS something that is contrary to the will of God as portrayed in scripture, the Christian shouldn't indulge in it just because the State says its okay. There doesn't seem to be an demand to go for the throat of those that passed the law or those who practice the now allowed thing. In a democracy, mobilizing to change the law would probably be expected, but attempting to change something isn't against the law (in free societies, anyway).

However, If a law is passed that is designed to "force" persons to participate in actions that violate God's will or commands, then the Christian is expected to follow the laws and will of God. An example would be Christians in countries that have anti-christian or anti-religion laws or heavy restrictions. Those Christians adhere to their faith and continue to practice it, in spite of the fact that it is, in many cases, against the law and could cause great mortal harm to them if they're caught. I believe this principal of loyalty to God/Religion if the State demands contrary behavior could probably be found in some fashion in all religions or beliefe systems.

[zenheretic]

...and I was enjoying the insight on everyone's choice of sig's...:(

[spydutch]

My first sig speaks for it self; teeth just cut better and I find them better looking on a blade.

The second is quoted from a thread of The Deacon that really made me laugh. I could have come up with it myself. I really like those kind of sayings. It's just the way it is :D

[Gibsoniam]

I really like that Deacon quote. Since I've seen it around the forum on your signatures, I've actually used it a couple of times. You'd think here in San Antonio, TX everyone would be carrying knives (and guns!) but still I get some wierd looks on occasion when I pull out a knife to use it for some menial purpose. :D

[Senate]

my personnal (music) gods: Led Zeppelin... :cool:
and a reminder too.

[traderdell]

No idea where it came from but I always liked it and felt it to be true.

Traderdell

[Woody]

Well, mine comes from years of building my wood shop (tools)... When ever I came home with a new tool, I would just look at the wife, smile and had her the receipt... Sometime she would give me "The Look",,,, you all know what look this is... :o I would say, "sorry I just had to.... " Now it has rolled over to building my Spydie collection... And yes, I still get the look.... hahah... I tell all my friends and co-workers when they want something and they say my wife will not let me get that... I just tell em, " heck... It is easier to ask for forgiveness then permission"... :cool: They laugh and say "does it work for you....?" Oh YA.... Has for years.... :eek: :D

[Civilian]

Mine are pretty self explainatory. Though no one has ever mentioned the frist one which I've had for years here. Second one should cover most people here, though we do have several "international" members that it wouldn't. Third is the constant reminder.

One of my fav's ive seen is "rather be judged ny 12 than carried by 6"

[Michael Cook]

:spyder: My sig is my favorite oft quoted lines used by one of my favorite sensei. :spyder:

[DAYWALKER]

Aloha ALL,

Very interesting thread here!

Okay, my initial signature I truly believe in. ALL things that I have ever wanted to succeed in, I have accomplished. Some things have yet to become "tangible", but they will happen because I believe in the unseen...simply because I have discussed my plans with the Lord and left the rest to Him. ;) Now, we're just waiting on sal. LOL! :D What further "backs up my play" with my first sig is John 14:12-14. Check it out. I apply and hold Him to it DAILY.

My second sig: :o I cracked up when I saw this posted by thombrogan. Sometimes I been carrying my Persian in LFP or LIWB, and when I do, I always think of my poor southpawed knifebrothers. Even though I am right handed, I felt the same way at times drawing, then flipping the Persian to open "normally" in southpaw carry mode!:D

Last sig: If you can call it a sig, is simply an acknowledgement to the mighty DiAlex. W/o him, I would not have such a cool avatar right now! :D

It just occured to me...I WISH everytime I wrote the word "Sig", that it stood for their handguns! :rolleyes:

God bless :cool:

[Irish Lager]

i have no great story to share about my sig, other then it is a quote that i think everyone should follow and respect. I got it from a B film called Interstate 60, its the only good thing to come from the movie.
J

[Chris_H]

Mine is a product of being a computer/technology geek. I continued the adaptation of a "cult popular" quote from an Asian computer game that had a poor translation into English. My adaptation was around the knives & company that I'm such a fan of.

Further explanation can be found in another Off-Topic thread that I started on sig lines (http://spyderco.com/forums/showthread.php?t=15683 )

[Jimd]

Mine cover a few bases...I feel like a referee, breaking up fights between inmates, in the bowels of hell.
I have artwork for sale, trying to get enough money and a second career to leave the "bowels of hell".

And finally, the Shakespeare quote about brotherhood...anyone who stands and fights alongside me, or backs me up under dangerous circumstances, truly IS my brother. It's similar to what soldiers share in battle, and what cops share on the street when they protect each other. It's no different "On The Inside"; there's nowhere for us to run, and we only have each other. And, at times, many of us are like a Band Of Brothers.

[Echo63]

my sig is "borrowed" from a pirelli tyre ad that i saw in a magazine a few years ago

my candlepowerforums.com sig would be my funny one

"torch collector by day, torch user by night"