Food for Thought · MoveMe Quotes

Would You Rip The Wings Off A Butterfly For An All-Expenses-Paid Vacation?

“For an all-expenses-paid, one-week vacation anywhere in the world, would you be willing to tear the wings off a beautiful butterfly? If so, would you be troubled enough to enjoy your trip any less? What about stepping on a cockroach? …Does a beautiful creature merit more compassion than an ugly one? If so, why? Do you injure yourself psychologically by destroying something you find beautiful? Is there a meaningful difference between pulling the wings off an insect and stepping on it? How much would it take to induce you to rip the wings off a hummingbird or dove?”
Gregory Stock, The Book of Questions

Beyond the Quote (Day 375)

I finished reading The Book of Questions in February of 2015 and for some reason, the above question is one that left a deep imprint on my mind. I noticed, especially as of late, that since I read it, for no obvious or connected reason, it has been randomly popping into my head—would I tear the wings off a butterfly for an all-expenses-paid vacation anywhere in the world? And every time, I work through the same answer I always do. But what strikes me is that, if I answer the same way every time, why then does it keep recurring?

“What could someone figure out about you by the friends you’ve chosen? …Do your close friends tend to be older or younger than you? Less or more talented and successful than you? Do they share your values? Ambitions? Interests?”
Gregory Stock, The Book of Questions

Beyond the Quote (62/365)

You could probably learn a lot about someone by the friends they’ve chosen. In fact, I’m a firm believer in the idea that you are a product of who you surround yourself with the most. How could you not be? Your close friends are the ones who have the greatest influence over you. They’re the ones who you spend the most time with, who you challenge to games and do activities with, who you poke around with intellectually, who you have deep conversations with (or at least conversations beyond the superficial), and who you measure (and ultimately align) values, ambitions, and interests with. While this certainly isn’t always the case, I feel like it is more often than it’s not and can definitely provide noteworthy insights that will help you better understand your current situation.

By: Gregory Stock

From this Book: 19 Quotes

Book Overview: This is a book for personal growth, a tool for deepening relationships, a lively conversation starter for the family dinner table, a fun way to pass the time in the car. It poses over 300 questions that invite people to explore the most fascinating of subjects: themselves and how they really feel about the world. The Book of Questions may be the only publication that challenges―and even changes―the way you view the world, without offering a single opinion of its own.

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Post(s) Inspired by this Book:

“If you had to tattoo your arm with a message to yourself, what would you write?” ~ Gregory Stock, The Book of Questions

“If you learned you were going to die in a few days, what regrets would you have? Which of them could you resolve if you were given another 5 years? …Do you try to envision your future and live now as you think you’ll one day wish you had?” ~ Gregory Stock, The Book of Questions

“Is there something you’ve dreamed of doing for a long time but haven’t? Why haven’t you? Is it better to have dreams that may never come to pass, or to stick with those that can be readily achieved? …How much better would your life be if your dreams came true? What dreams have you already achieved?” ~ Gregory Stock, The Book of Questions

“In what period since you were a teenager did you have the most personal growth and change? If you wanted to have another such period, what could you do to bring it about or otherwise shake up your life?” ~ Gregory Stock, The Book of Questions

“If you could earn the same pay no matter what job you did, would you pursue another profession? If so, what would you choose, and why?” ~ Gregory Stock, The Book of Questions

“If you could place yourself anywhere on a scale from 1 to 10, where 1 is having security and comfort and goals within easy reach, and 10 is taking risks, struggling, and reaching for great achievement, what number would you like to be at, and why? …Where are you now?” ~ Gregory Stock, The Book of Questions

“After a medical examination, your doctor calls and says you have a rare lymphatic cancer and only a month to live. A week later, she informs you that the lab test was wrong and you’re perfectly healthy. Do you think the insights from having to face death this way would be worth the pain? …What life changes do you think a close brush with death might provoke for you?”
Gregory Stock, The Book of Questions

“Would you rather die peacefully among friends at age 50, or painfully and alone at age 80?” ~ Gregory Stock, The Book of Questions

“If you knew you were destined never to achieve anything of real importance, how would it change your goals and attitudes? What if you knew you were destined for great things but didn’t know what? …What in your life do you think will seem most meaningful when you look back many years from now? What do you think you’ll regret when you look back?”
Gregory Stock, The Book of Questions

“How often do you step back and reflect on where you are headed? Would less or more self-reflection be good for you? …Do you have any specific long-term goals? If so, which is the most important, how do you hope to reach it, and how do you think reaching it will enhance your life?” ~ Gregory Stock, The Book of Questions

“If you were a role model to millions of children who closely followed you and your life choices, how would you change your behavior? …What if only your own kids were noticing you and being affected?” ~ Gregory Stock, The Book of Questions

“If you had to either change professions or move to another part of the country, which would you prefer? What new career or location first comes to mind? …Is the idea of being forced into such a change appealing in any way?” ~ Gregory Stock, The Book of Questions

“If you could gain any one ability or quality you admire in someone else, what would you choose? Do you think you could develop that ability or quality just by working at it?” ~ Gregory Stock, The Book of Questions

“What is the most outrageous thing you’ve ever done? Do you look back on it more with pleasure or regret? …Do you wish you’d been more or less cautious in your life?” ~ Gregory Stock, The Book of Questions

“Would you rather be very successful professionally with only a tolerable private life, or have a great private life but an uninspiring professional one? …If you feel your private life is more important to you, do your priorities reflect this? If not, why not?” ~ Gregory Stock, The Book of Questions

“Would you be happier with more control over what happens in your life or more control over your response to what happens? How could you gain more such control?” ~ Gregory Stock, The Book of Questions

“If you were to die this evening with no opportunity to communicate with anyone, what would you most regret not having told someone? What good might come out of telling them now?” ~ Gregory Stock, The Book of Questions

Would You Rip The Wings Off A Butterfly For An All-Expenses-Paid Vacation?

Beyond the Quote (Day 375)

Gregory Stock Quote on Friendship—and What Your Friends Say About You

Beyond the Quote (62/365)

The Book of Questions [Book]