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The Ultimate Quotational Refernce System and Authoring Tool for Professional Speakers & Writerstm
The Ultimate Quotational Reference System and
Authoring Tool for Professional Speakers & Writers
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QuoteNotes™
TOPICAL
Index

Ability
ACCOUNTABILITY
Action
ADVERSITY
Advertising
AGE
Ambition
ANGER
Anxiety
Apathy
Aptitude
Argument
Arrogance
Art
ARTS
ATTITUDE
AUTHORITY
Awareness
Beauty
Benevolence
Bigotry
Blame
Blowhards
BORES
Bureaucracy
BUSINESS
Cause & Effect
Celebrity
CHANCE
CHANGE
CHARACTER
CHARITY
Children
Church
Coercion
Committees
Common Sense
COMMUNICATION
Communism
Compassion
COMPETITION
Complacency
Complaint
Composure
Comprehension
Conceit
CONSCIENCE
Control
Coping
Corporations
COURAGE
Cowardice
Crime
Criticism
Cunning
Customers
Cynicism
Danger
DEATH
Debate
Deceit
DECISIONS
Delegation
Democracy
Democrats
Depression
Despair
Destiny
Determination
Diligence
DISHONESTY
DOUBT
Economics
Economy
Education
EFFECTIVENESS
Efficiency
EGO
Empathy
Employees
Enthusiasm
Entitlement
ENVY
ERRORS
Ethics
Evil
EXCELLENCE
Exercise
EXPERIENCE
Facts
FAILURE
Fairness
FAITH
FAME
FAMILY
Fate
FEAR
Finances
FITNESS
Foolhardiness
Fools
Force
Fortitude
Freedom
FRIENDS
Frugality
Fun
Gambling
Generosity
GENIUS
Glory
Goals
GOD
GOODNESS
Gossips
GOVERNMENT
Gratitude
Greatness
GREED
Grief
Growth
Guilt
HABIT
HAPPINESS
Harmony
HASTE
HATE
Hazard
HEALTH
HONESTY
HONOR
Hope
Hostility
HUMILITY
Hypocrisy
Ideas
Idiots
IGNORANCE
Imagination
Imitation
Impatience
Incompetence
Independence
Indifference
INDIVIDUALISM
Inertia
Inferiority
Initiative
INNOVATION
Inspiration
Integrity
Jealousy
Journalism
Joy
JUDGMENT
Justice
Kindness
Know-It-Alls
KNOWLEDGE
LAW
Law & Order
Laziness
LEADERSHIP
Learning
Liberty
Life
Listening
Literature
Logic
Loneliness
LOVE
Luck
Malcontents
Management
Marriage
Materialism
Maturity
Medicine
Mediocrity
Melancholy
Mistakes
Modesty
Money
Morale
MOTIVATION
Music
Nostalgia
Obstacles
Opinion
Opportunity
Opposition
Oppression
OPTIMISM
Oratory
Organizations
ORIGINALITY
Overconfidence
Over-Reaction
Pain
PATIENCE
PEACE
PERCEPTION
Perfection
Performance Appraisal
Peril
PERSEVERANCE
PERSONAL MGMT
Perspective
Persuasion
PESSIMISM
Pets
Philosophy
Plagiarism
PLANNING
Pleasure
POLITICS
Positive-Thinking
POTENTIAL
Poverty
Power
Praise
Prayer
Prediction
Prejudice
Preparation
Prestige
Pride
PRINCIPLES
Priorities
Problem-Solving
PROCRASTINATION
Productivity
Progress
Promotion
Prophecy
Prosperity
PRUDENCE
PUNISHMENT
Quality
Quotes
Rashness
Reason
Reflection
Regrets
Relaxation
Religion
Republicans
Reputation
Research
Respect
Responsibility
Rest
Results
REWARD
Right
Risk
Romance
Sacrifice
SADNESS
Safety
Salary
Sales
Satan
Satisfaction
Science
SCIENCES
Security
Self-Actualization
SELF-CONFIDENCE
Self-Control
Self-Discipline
Self-Esteem
Selfishness
Self-Pity
Self-Reliance
Serenity
Shame
Silence
SIN
Sincerity
Sleep
Solitude
Sorrow
SPEECHES
Spirit
Spite
Sports
Statistics
Stupidity
Suffering
Sympathy
Tact
Talent
Teaching
Teamwork
Temper
Temptation
Tenacity
THOUGHT
Time Management
Timidity
Tolerance
Trust
Truth
Uncertainty
Understanding
Values
Vanity
Violence
VISION
Voting
WAR
Weakness
WEALTH
Will
WINNING
WISDOM
Work
Worry
Wrong

 

 

Stone Cold Bill Wilson...click here to get to know me!
About the Author

 

QuoteNotes™...Introduction

Front cover of the QuoteNotes bookThe QuoteNotes™ system was conceived, researched and developed over a period of ten years. The core of the system is a database of 1,500 of the very best quotations ever compiled in one collection. Unlike many voluminous, but poorly organized collections, QuoteNotes™ focuses on "quality, not quantity." Such sources are often of limited use because they are so overwhelming—with hundreds of uncategorized subject listings and thousands of pointless quotations—that it is almost impossible to find a quintessential quote quickly (say that six times fast!), and very easy to overlook a pertinent one.
As Christian Bovee said, “A book should be luminous, but not voluminous.”
Back cover of the QuoteNotes bookQuoteNotes™ overcomes these problems by limiting the database to only outstanding, useful quotations. Then, structure is provided by extensively indexing each quotation within a network of Categories, Subjects and Topics. This categorization and cross-referencing, as discussed below, enables the user to find just the right quote very quickly. James Thurber said it best, “So much has already been written about everything that you can't find out anything about it.”  The QuoteNotes™ system allows you to find exactly what you're looking for (and often more) with minimal effort.

QuoteNotes™ can be a useful and purposeful communications and authoring tool. It can be used by professional speakers and writers to illustrate and support presentations, speeches, books, columns, advertising, and other forms of communication. Likewise, it can be used by other professionals—managers, clergy, teachers—to more effectively express and communicate ideas and concepts, as well as inspire and motivate.

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QuoteNotes™...Download Excerpts

Click here to download the FREE Adobe Acrobat Reader!You may find it helpful, before continuing, to download some sample pages from the book, including the entire Introductory chaper which explains most everything on this web page in graphical detail. Each excerpt is in Adobe Acrobat™ format...if you don't have the FREE Adobe Acrobat™ Reader, click on the icon to the right to download it.
Click here to download the entire Introductory chapter to the QuoteNotes book!Introductory Chaper. Download a 7-page introduction.
Click here to download a 2-page excerpt from the Quotes Section of the QuoteNotes book.Quotes Section Sample. Download a 7-page excerpt.
Click here to download a 2-page excerpt from the Authors Section of the QuoteNotes book.Authors Section Sample. Download a 3-page excerpt.
Click here to download a 2-page excerpt from the Key Words Section of the QuoteNotes book.Key Words Section Sample. Download a 3-page excerpt.
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QuoteNotes™...The Reference System

QuoteNotes™ is organized into three main divisions—Quotes, Authors, and Key Words:

The Quotes Section

Unlike other quotational compilations that assign each quote to only one of hundreds of subjects, QuoteNotes™ uses a categorization and indexing system to allow a database of multi-faceted quotes to be accessed from more than one topic.
The QuoteNotes™ database is divided into four Categories: Success, Intellect, Morality, and Society. Each category is further divided into four Subjects—for example, the Category “Morality” is split into the Subjects of Virtues, Vices, Ethics, and Religion. Finally, each Subject area is broken down into several Topics—for example, the Subject “Vices” consists of the Topics of Anger, Hate, Dishonesty, Greed, Envy, and Ego.
Each of the 1,500 quotes is assigned to a primary Topic, although it may be referenced from several other Topics. For example, a quote may address several issues such as education, ethics and technology. Most quotation books would categorize it into just one of those topics and you'd never be able to find it if you looked in another topic more specific to your subject matter. By using its unique cross-referencing system, QuoteNotes™ effectively provides thousands of quotations through indexing from multiple topics, so you are highly unlikely to overlook a pertinent quotation.
Each Topic within a Subject and Category includes a list of quotes that are primarily assigned to that Topic. Immediately below each quote is a list of cross-referenced Topics that also refer to that quote. Each Topical listing concludes with a “Cross References” listing. This listing references quotes that have been primarily assigned to another topic, but are also related to the current Topic.
Finally, some quotes have been further categorized as a “P”—Pearl, “C”—Classic, “H”—Humor, and/or “A”—Analogy. This classification system enables you to do the following:
  • Pearls.  These quotes represent the very best in the book. Although many are not well know, they are very effective in expressing an idea or emotion, in distilling an important concept into one simple statement. They can be invaluable openers or closers in a presentation or article.
  • Classics.  For the most part, these are quotes that many, if not most, people have heard before. They are useful in improving retention of oral or written concepts since they can be used to tie the concept to a memorable phrase.
  • Humor.  Humorous quotes and anecdotes are an effective way to get an audience's or reader's attention. If your presentation, book, or article is in need of a touch of humor, simply scan the quote numbers under a particular Topic for an “H”, without having to read through all of the quotes in that section.
  • Analogy.  Perhaps the single most effective way to make a point is with an analogy or metaphor. Like an “H”, quotes can be quickly scanned for an “A” in order to find the appropriate analogy with minimal effort.
Just one more (pardon the pun) “note” about the Quotes Section. Space has actually been provided in the margin for notes, thus the name QuoteNotes™. This space can be used to jot down ideas that come to mind when reviewing the quotes, for adding quotes of your own, to identify the audience(s), or article(s), and dates where you have used a particular quote, and many other possibilities.

 

The Authors Section

This section is an alphabetical listing, by last name, of all of the known quote authors or sources. Where known, each author's year of birth and (if applicable) death is shown. If an author has an alias, both names are included and cross-referenced. Also, if known with certainty, a brief bio is given for each author. Finally, each author's listing concludes with a reference listing of the quote(s) attributed to them in the Quotes Section.

 

The Key Words Section

The last section of the book is an alphabetical listing of all Key Words in every quote. Exclusive of common words such as “and”, “the”, and so forth, this section lists all words in all of the quotes contained in the Quotes Section. Each Key Word is followed by a reference listing of the quote(s) in which the Key Word occurs.
This section is a vital part of the QuoteNotes™ system. Often you may remember a word or phrase from a quote, but not the entire quotation, and you may be uncertain about the Topic to which the quote is assigned.
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QuoteNotes™...The Authoring Tool

Most often you will probably use QuoteNotes™ as a reference system to find an appropriate quote to annotate your presentation, article, memo, or other form of oral or written communication. As U.S. writer Archibald Hodge said, “He is wise who knows the sources of knowledge - who knows who has written and where it is to be found.”
However, QuoteNotes™ can also be used, not as a support medium, but as an authoring tool. One means of doing so is inherent in the use of the aforementioned cross-referencing to “bounce” from one idea to another in a brainstorming frenzy. Another use can be illustrated with a story from my speaking experience. Rathering than take the
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QuoteNotes™...Endorsements

When the original draft of QuoteNotes™ was completed, galley copies were sent to over a dozen speaking and writing professionals, though no endorsements were requested. Based on the feedback (with special thanks to John Kremmer for his candid suggestions), QuoteNotes™ was completely reformated to make it the most useful and usable book of its kind in the marketplace. The following are some of the unsolicited endorsements received from some very gracious professionals.
•    “I'm impressed! QuoteNotes goes far beyond usual quotation books. The format and presentation is thoughtful. Precise. Practical. It's a great tool for writers and speakers.”Marilyn Ross, co-author of The Complete Guide to Self-Publishing
•    “QuoteNotes is different. It gives clear, concise direction on how to find the specific quote you need, almost regardless of the topic.”Zig Ziglar, professional speaker and author of See You Over the Top
•    “Everyone values quotes that capture and transmit timeless truths. The trick is to find short quotes worth sharing. QuoteNotes helps you quickly find the best of the best. If you make your living on the wings of words, this is one book that belongs in your library.”Terry Paulson, PhD, CPAE, author of They Shoot Managers Don't They? and the 1998-99 President of the National Speakers Association
•    “As an author and speaker I find QuoteNotes a terrific resource. QuoteNotes makes it easy to find the right quote and source but doesn't rely on the same overused quotes often found elsewhere. The path to wisdom is not an easy one, but this book will help anyone in their journey.”Mark Sanborn, CSP, CPAE, professional speaker and author of Teambuilding: How to Manage and Motivate People, the #2 best-selling book/business video in America
•    “[QuoteNotes] is a wonderful source of insight and ideas that apply to every vital area of life. It is full of gems!”Brian Tracy, CPAE, professional speaker and author of The New Psychology of Selling
•    “What a great, easy to use resource for anyone who makes speeches. It's easy-to-use design makes it quick to find a pithy quote to include in your talks. Bill has done all speakers a service by putting together this handy tool. No speaker's library should be without it handily on the shelf.”Rebecca L. Morgan, CSP, professional speaker and author since 1980
•    “It is wise to remember great quotes from the past. It is wiser still to find them fast. QuoteNotes is a plethora of valuable quotes that no speaker, writer, teacher, or leader should be without.”Cliff Michaels, president/founder, The Knowledge Cafe
•    “QuoteNotes is a great resource. The right quote on any subject—and it's easy to use. It's a winner!!!”Joe Calloway, professional speaker, Business Motivation Resources
•    “Great resource for writers and speakers!”Lilly Walters, professional speaker and author of Secrets of Successful Speakers
•    “I enjoyed just browsing through QuoteNotes, and found the thorough system of cross referencing very helpful. I particularly appreciated the inclusion of brief biographies of all those quoted within. That's the part that's usually missing in most quote books.”Linda Stern, syndicated columnist, award winning journalist, and contributing editor of Home Office Computing
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QuoteNotes™...Sample Quotations

Each "Quote of the Week" on the BrightPath home page is taken from the book. Check out the Quote of the Week Archive for a representative selection, or you can download an excerpt from the Quotes Section of the book in Adobe Acrobat™ format.
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QuoteNotes™...Order!

Sorry to TEMPORARILY disappoint you but, due to demand, we're reprinting the book! As you can see at the top, we've completely redesigned the cover and we're putting the final touches on the content revision. We should be going to press late this summer and a new print run should be available by the fall. If you'd like us to put you on the email list for notification when the book is available, click here...sorry for the delay.
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QuoteNotes™...Bonus Section!

Thanks for making it this far. As a final note, let me say that the QuoteNotes™ system can be used for many other purposes, such as enhancing:

•  Character.  According to the I Ching, or Chinese Book of Changes, “The superior man acquaints himself with many sayings of antiquity and many deeds of the past, in order to strengthen his character thereby.” There are some wonderful, thought-provoking quotations in this collection. Many serve to motivate and cause reflection on important issues of life.

•  Wisdom.  Rather than just read the quotes, reflect on them. Simple reading is nothing more than the acquisition of knowledge. The practical application of knowledge is wisdom. To quote William Cowper, “Knowledge dwells in heads replete with thoughts of other men; wisdom in minds attentive to their own.” These quotes can be viewed not as an end in and of themselves (the accumulation of knowledge), but rather as a means to an end (the application of wisdom).

•  Communication.  The quotes in the QuoteNotes™ system have been purposefully selected to enhance written and oral communications. Two quotes illustrate this quite succinctly. According to Kahlil Gibran, “The obvious is that which is never seen until someone expresses it clearly.” Also, English writer Logan Smith said, “The great art of writing is the art of making people real to themselves with words.”   QuoteNotes™ will enable you to do this.

•  Brainstorming.  Not only does QuoteNotes™ itself serve as a useful tool for brainstorming, it also includes quotes that illustrate, for example, methods of overcoming “writer's block”:
“Write down the thoughts of the moment. Those that come unsought for are commonly the most valuable.” — Francis Bacon
THOUGHT, Originality, Decision Making, Wisdom


“Place one idea upon paper, another will follow it, and still another, until you have written a page. You cannot fathom your mind. It is a well of thought which has no bottom. The more you draw from it, the more clear and fruitful will it be. If you neglect to think yourself, and use other people’s thoughts, giving them utterance only, you will never know what you are capable of.” — George Augustus Sala
ORIGINALITY, Procrastination, Wisdom, Arts
•  Fun.   Use this system creatively. For example, the following quote could be used in a training session “quiz” to illustrate a point: “That jewel ____________________ is great riches, which is not plundered by kinsmen, nor carried off by thieves, nor decreased by giving.” What can't be taken away nor decreased by giving?  Answer: knowledge.
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Tel:   615.824.5905
Fax:  209.844.9242
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Copyright 1999 by William C. Wilson, Jr.  All rights reserved.
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