oddlinks

curiosity across disciplines


All the small things

There's an idea, or to be more precise, a motto, that goes:

minima cura si maximia vis

It roughly translates to "take care of the small things if you want to obtain the greatest results."

It comes from Frederico Cesi, back in the early 1600's, as the ethos for the Accademia dei Lincei (or for us non-Italian speakers, Academy of the Lynx-eyed; a coincidence?). He founded the society to fight against superstition and dogma by spreading scientific knowledge and literacy. You might recognize its most famous member, Galileo.

And getting past the pretentiousness of padding a message with latin, on it's face, the Academy's motto is patently useful.

It's relevant in any conversation about habits, honing a skill, or as for the esteemed philosopher kings of Blink-182: love.

All the small things
True care, truth brings

So, to curtain call this small thought, we odd to be clear on what's worth the ongoing effort required for the "the greatest results."

And more importantly, you're welcome for re-lodging this tune in your na-na, na-na, na-na, na-noggin'.