Quotes with Wisdom
This ancient Greek philosopher, a student of Plato and teacher to Alexander the Great, said: “Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom.”
Aristotle
This part of your brain handles short-term to long-term memory. It's also deeply affected by trauma and stress
hippocampus
This defense mechanism tells you “you don’t really have a problem,” despite piles of evidence and consequences.
denial
This classic 1939 novel by John Steinbeck follows the Joad family escaping the Dust Bowl in search of a better life during the Great Depression.
The Grapes of Wrath
This religion, founded by Siddhartha Gautama, teaches the Four Noble Truths and the path to Enlightenment.
Buddhism
This physicist: “In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity.” and relative to us now. He is right
Albert Einstein
This term describes the brain's ability to change and rewire itself—proof that recovery, therapy, and new habits can literally reshape how you think and feel.
neuroplasticity
This thinking error creates excuses like “just one won’t hurt” or “I’ll quit tomorrow.”
cognitive distortion
This Shakespearean prince of Denmark is famous for the line, "To be, or not to be—that is the question."
Hamlet
In Christianity, this prayer begins with “Our Father, who art in heaven.”
Lord's Prayer
This author, known for epic fantasy wrote: “Not all those who wander are lost.”
J.R.R. Tolkien
Sigmund Freud said the mind has three parts: Id, Ego, and this one—our moral compass that makes us feel guilt or conscience.
Superego
When someone is sober but still angry, resentful, and emotionally unwell, it's called being a “_____ drunk.”
dry drunk
A word that sounds like another word but has a different meaning, like "pair," "pear," and "pare."
homophone
This Chinese philosopher taught about balance, family loyalty, and respect—his teachings are called Confucianism.
Confucius
This philosopher warned that those who don’t learn from history are “condemned to repeat it” — often quoted when speaking about addiction or relapse.
George Santayana
This powerful brain chemical is linked with pleasure, reward, and addiction. The brain releases it when we eat, use substances, or achieve goals.
dopamine
This behavior change model includes stages like precontemplation, preparation, relapse, and maintenance.
Transtheoretical Model of Change
George Orwell's 1984 is about a society ruled by this type of oppressive government that watches and controls everything.
totalitarian
This Islamic holy book is believed to be the word of God as revealed to the Prophet Muhammad.
Quran
Often misattributed to Aristotle, this philosopher actually said: “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence is not an act, but a habit.”
Will Durant
This therapy style focuses on challenging negative thinking, behavioral patterns, and beliefs. It’s widely used in addiction recovery and mental health care.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Motivation that comes from internal purpose, values, and belief in oneself — not from punishment or pressure.
intrinsic motivation
This Greek storyteller is famous for writing short moral tales like The Tortoise and the Hare and The Boy Who Cried Wolf.
Aesop
This ancient Greek philosopher taught Socrates, was the mentor to Aristotle, and wrote The Republic.
Plato