Ten is a special number that has been revered by cultures across the globe for centuries. Its significance can be seen in various practices and traditions, ranging from the Ten Commandments in Christianity to the Ten Sephirot in Kabbalah. The number is often used as a symbol of completion and perfection, serving as a guide for individuals seeking to find balance in their lives. But why is this particular number so important, and what is its meaning?
In numerology, the number 10 is believed to represent a sense of fulfillment and achievement. It is often associated with success, completeness, and unity, making it an ideal number for representing a state of wholeness. The number is also said to carry strong energy and vibrations, connecting individuals to higher spiritual realms and helping to guide them towards their goals. With its powerful symbolism and significance, it’s no wonder that the number 10 has become such an important aspect of various cultures and belief systems.
Whether you view the number 10 as a religious symbol of divine order or as a mathematical representation of the numeral system, there is no denying that it holds great significance in our lives. This number can offer guidance and hope to those looking to achieve harmony and balance in their personal or professional lives. By understanding the deeper meaning behind the number, we can learn to embrace its energy and use it to our advantage as we take on new challenges and strive to reach our full potential.
Completeness
The number 10 symbolizes completeness in various aspects. It is the numeric representation of a whole and perfect entity. This symbol of completeness has been recognized in many cultures around the world and throughout history.
- In the Bible, the Ten Commandments represent the complete set of rules given to humanity by God for righteous living.
- The ancient Chinese viewed the number 10 as a heavenly number representing the complete universe.
- The Aztecs believed that the universe goes through cycles of 10 and that the current world is the fifth cycle, representing the complete era.
Moreover, the completeness of the number 10 can be seen in different fields such as mathematics, science, and even human anatomy. For instance, the decimal system is based on the number 10, which is a complete so-called base number.
In science, the periodic table has ten groups that are complete in a way that every element in each group has similar properties.
Additionally, the human body has 10 different fingers, symbolizing completeness in our ability to manipulate objects and interact with our environment.
Overall, the number 10 symbolizes completeness as it represents a whole and perfect entity. Its significance varies across different cultures, fields, and aspects, and it continues to be an essential number in our lives.
Perfection
The number 10 has long been associated with the concept of perfection. In mathematics, the decimal system is based on the number 10, and it is the number of digits we use to represent all numbers. This foundation has led to other areas of life, including music, sports, and even language, to use the number 10 as a symbol of excellence.
- In music, the term “perfect 10” is used to describe a song or performance that is flawless. This phrase came from the Olympic scoring system, which originally only went up to 10 points, with a perfect score being a “10”.
- In sports, the number 10 is often retired by teams in honor of a player who was exceptional and played the game with perfection. Notable examples include Pele in soccer, Tony Gwynn in baseball, and Wayne Gretzky in hockey.
- In language, the phrase “a perfect 10” is used to describe a person who is physically attractive and has an ideal body shape.
Overall, the concept of perfection is something that humans have always strived for. While it may be unattainable, the number 10 serves as a symbol of excellence and the aspiration to achieve the highest level of mastery in any particular field.
One famous example of the link between perfection and the number 10 is the Ten Commandments. They are the ethical and moral guiding principles for those who adhere to Judaism and Christianity. The Ten Commandments are a set of laws believed by many to have been given directly by God to the prophet Moses.
| Commandment | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Thou shalt have no other gods before me. |
| 2 | Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. |
| 3 | Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain. |
| 4 | Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. |
| 5 | Honour thy father and thy mother. |
| 6 | Thou shalt not kill. |
| 7 | Thou shalt not commit adultery. |
| 8 | Thou shalt not steal. |
| 9 | Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour. |
| 10 | Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbour’s. |
As you can see, the number 10 holds significant importance in many aspects of our lives, from sports to religion and everything in between. It is a symbol of perfection, excellence, and the pursuit of mastery in any particular field.
The Ten Commandments
The Ten Commandments, also known as the Decalogue, are a set of biblical principles that are considered to be the foundation of Jewish and Christian morality. These commandments were given by God to Moses on Mount Sinai and are recorded in the Old Testament of the Bible. Each commandment has a specific meaning and purpose, and they collectively serve as the basis for ethical conduct for believers.
The Significance of the Number 10 in the Ten Commandments
- The number 10 is significant in the Ten Commandments because it represents completion and perfection in biblical numerology. It is believed to signify the entire cycle of creation.
- The Ten Commandments are not just a random set of principles but signify the completeness of God’s law and the perfection of His character.
- The Ten Commandments are divided into two groups of five, where the first five commandments explain how to love and serve God, while the second five commandments teach believers how to love and serve others.
The Third Commandment: You Shall Not Take the Name of the Lord Your God in Vain
The third commandment is often interpreted as prohibiting blasphemy, cursing, and any use of God’s name in a vain or disrespectful manner. The commandment emphasizes the importance of showing reverence for God’s name and warns believers against using it in a flippant or trivial way.
Some interpretations of the third commandment also emphasize the importance of keeping one’s promises and oaths made in God’s name. This implies that the commandment is not just about language but also about the integrity and sincerity of one’s actions.
Many religions have strict rules regarding the use of God’s name, and this commandment is often used as a basis for those rules. For example, in Judaism, it is forbidden to pronounce God’s name written as YHWH (Yahweh). Instead, the name is substituted with “Adonai” or “Hashem.” In Christianity, some denominations prefer to use “Lord” or “Jesus” instead of “God” in order to avoid taking the name in vain.
Summary Table of the Ten Commandments
| Commandment | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | You shall have no other gods before Me. |
| 2 | You shall not make for yourself a carved image—any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. |
| 3 | You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain. |
| 4 | Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. |
| 5 | Honor your father and your mother. |
| 6 | You shall not murder. |
| 7 | You shall not commit adultery. |
| 8 | You shall not steal. |
| 9 | You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor. |
| 10 | You shall not covet your neighbor’s house; you shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, nor his male servant, nor his female servant, nor his ox, nor his donkey, nor anything that is your neighbor’s. |
The Ten Commandments are an essential part of many religious traditions and provide guidance for ethical living. Understanding the symbolism behind the number 10 and the significance of each commandment helps believers to deepen their faith and live according to God’s will.
The Ten Plagues of Egypt
The Ten Plagues of Egypt is a series of divine punishments that the Egyptians experienced, as mentioned in the Book of Exodus in the Bible. Each of the plagues was a deliberate attack on the Egyptian gods and goddesses and served as a demonstration of the power of the Hebrew God, Yahweh. These plagues culminated in the freeing of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt and their exodus to the Promised Land.
Number 4: The Plagues of Insects and Wild Animals
The fourth plague that struck Egypt was that of swarms of insects, which are believed to have been lice or gnats. The fifth plague was of cattle, as the animals contracted a disease that killed them, which was a direct threat to the economic well-being of the Egyptians. The sixth plague was a swarm of locusts that destroyed the crops, leading to an impending famine.
- The fourth plague – Swarms of insects (Exodus 8:16-19)
- The fifth plague – Diseased cattle (Exodus 9:1-7)
- The sixth plague – Swarms of locusts (Exodus 10:1-20)
These plagues had a profound impact on the Egyptians, as they were forced to grapple with the destruction of their livelihoods. They also left the Egyptians with a sense of helplessness, as no one was spared from these plagues, not even the Pharaoh and his advisors.
The striking thing about these plagues was how they targeted the Egyptians’ dependence on natural resources and their religious practices. The insects, for instance, attacked their cleanliness standards and their belief in the god of the Nile. The diseased cattle was a threat to their belief in the cow goddess Hathor, and the locusts threatened their crops and food god, Min. This attacked their belief system, which was seen as an attack on their way of life.
| Plague | Egyptian Object of Worship | Symbolism |
|---|---|---|
| Swarms of insects | The god of the Nile | Attacked their cleanliness standards |
| Diseased cattle | The cow goddess Hathor | Threat to economic well-being |
| Swarms of locusts | The food god, Min | Threat to their crops and food source |
The Egyptians finally relented after the tenth and the most devastating plague, where the firstborn of every Egyptian household was killed. This led to the freeing of the Israelites, and they left Egypt to journey towards the Promised Land, a journey that would take them forty years.
This account highlights the power of Yahweh and underscores the notion that nothing is beyond His reach. It also reinforces the idea that there are consequences for actions and that nations must choose to act with compassion and respect for all peoples.
The Ten Sephirot
The Significance of Ten in the Ten Sephirot
The number ten plays a significant role in the Kabbalistic system of the ten Sephirot. The ten Sephirot represent ten aspects of God’s nature, which are reflected in the physical world. Each of these attributes is represented by a specific number from one to ten, with ten being the highest number representing the highest aspect of God. Thus, the number ten symbolizes the highest spiritual level, and it signifies the ultimate unity and perfection in the spiritual realm.
The Ten Sephirot and Their Meanings
- Keter – the Crown, representing the highest aspect of God’s will
- Chochmah – Wisdom, representing the ability to perceive and understand divine truths
- Binah – Understanding, representing the ability to analyze and apply divine truths
- Chesed – Mercy, representing God’s loving-kindness and benevolence
- Gevurah – Severity, representing God’s judgment and strength
- Tiferet – Harmony, representing God’s beauty and truth
- Netzach – Victory, representing God’s eternal persistence and endurance
- Hod – Splendor, representing the expression of God’s majesty in the world
- Yesod – Foundation, representing the spiritual connection between God and the world
- Malkuth – Kingship, representing the manifestation of God’s kingdom in the world
The Five Levels of the Soul and the Ten Sephirot
The Kabbalistic system also divides the human soul into five levels, each corresponding to one of the ten Sephirot. These levels include Nefesh, Ruach, Neshamah, Chayah, and Yechidah. Each level represents a step in the process of spiritual ascent, with Nefesh being the most basic and Yechidah being the most advanced. The five levels of the soul are also connected to the ten Sephirot, with each Sephirah representing a different aspect of the soul’s journey towards spiritual enlightenment and closeness to God.
The Ten Sephirot Table
| Sephirot | Hebrew Name | Attributes |
|---|---|---|
| Keter | כֶּתֶר | Crown, Will, Infinite Light |
| Chochmah | חכמה | Wisdom, Creative Force, First Cause |
| Binah | בִּינָה | Understanding, Intuition, Mother of Creation |
| Chesed | חֶסֶד | Mercy, Love, Benevolence |
| Gevurah | גְּבוּרָה | Severity, Judgment, Strength |
| Tiferet | תִּפְאֶרֶת | Harmony, Beauty, Compassion |
| Netzach | נֶצַח | Victory, Eternity, Endurance |
| Hod | הוֹד | Splendor, Majesty, Glory |
| Yesod | יְסוֹד | Foundation, Connection, Gateway to the Divine |
| Malkuth | מַלְכוּת | Kingship, Manifestation, Kingdom of God |
The ten avatars of Vishnu
In Hindu mythology, Lord Vishnu is believed to have incarnated on Earth in the form of ten avatars to preserve and protect the universe from evil forces. Each avatar represents different qualities and characteristics, and together they symbolize the evolution of human consciousness.
- Matsya (The Fish): The first avatar of Vishnu is depicted as a fish, who saves the first man, Manu, from a great flood and protects life on earth.
- Kurma (The Tortoise): The second avatar is a tortoise, who supports the mountain on his back to churn the ocean to obtain the nectar of immortality.
- Varaha (The Boar): The third avatar takes the form of a boar, who rescues the earth from the demon Hiranyaksha and restores it to its rightful place.
- Narasimha (The Lion-Man): The fourth avatar is half-lion and half-man, who kills the demon Hiranyakashipu, who could not be defeated by gods or humans.
- Vamana (The Dwarf): The fifth avatar is a dwarf, who takes the form of a Brahmin and requests for land from the demon king Bali, only to trick him into giving away all his possessions.
- Parashurama (The Warrior): The sixth avatar is a warrior who fights against corrupt and oppressive rulers to restore order and justice in the world.
- Rama (The King): The seventh avatar is a righteous king, who defeats the demon king Ravana and reestablishes dharma or righteousness.
- Krishna (The Teacher): The eighth avatar is a beloved teacher and friend, who imparts wisdom and knowledge to his disciple Arjuna and humanity.
- Buddha (The Sage): The ninth avatar is not traditionally considered as a Hindu deity but is recognized as such in some sects. Buddha is regarded as a wise sage, who taught the four noble truths and showed the path of enlightenment.
- Kalki (The Destroyer): The tenth and final avatar of Vishnu is yet to come, and he will appear at the end of the Kali Yuga or the dark age of ignorance and evil. Kalki is believed to bring an end to the chaos and establish a new era of peace and prosperity.
The significance of the number 10
The number 10 symbolizes completeness, perfection, and the cycle of creation and destruction. In Hinduism, the ten avatars of Vishnu serve as a reminder of the divine plan and the evolution of life on earth. Each avatar represents a stage in the growth of consciousness and the struggle against ignorance and ego.
The symbolism of the avatars
The avatars of Vishnu represent various aspects of divinity and human experience. They provide different paths and methods to attain spiritual liberation and realization. The fish stands for the power of knowledge, the tortoise for stability and endurance, the boar for purification and sacrifice, the lion-man for courage and strength, the dwarf for humility and intelligence, the warrior for valor and righteousness, the king for leadership and governance, the teacher for wisdom and enlightenment, the sage for compassion and detachment, and the destroyer for transformation and renewal.
| Avatar | Name | Characteristics | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Matsya | Fish | Life, knowledge |
| 2 | Kurma | Tortoise | Stability, endurance |
| 3 | Varaha | Boar | Purification, sacrifice |
| 4 | Narasimha | Lion-Man | Courage, strength |
| 5 | Vamana | Dwarf | Humility, intelligence |
| 6 | Parashurama | Warrior | Valor, righteousness |
| 7 | Rama | King | Leadership, governance |
| 8 | Krishna | Teacher | Wisdom, enlightenment |
| 9 | Buddha | Sage | Compassion, detachment |
| 10 | Kalki | Destroyer | Transformation, renewal |
The diversity and unity of the avatars symbolize the diversity and unity of existence. They represent the cyclic nature of time and the endless possibilities of life. The ten avatars of Vishnu are not only a mythological tale but also a philosophical and spiritual lesson, teaching us about the purpose and meaning of life.
The Ten Ox-Herding Pictures in Zen Buddhism
In Zen Buddhism, the ten Ox-Herding Pictures depict the stages on the path to enlightenment. Each picture represents a different aspect of the journey towards self-discovery and spiritual growth.
The Seventh Picture: Riding the Ox Home
In the seventh picture, “Riding the Ox Home,” the seeker has finally tamed the ox and is now riding it joyfully back home. The ox symbolizes the seeker’s mind and the journey represents the realization of their true nature.
The seeker is no longer struggling to control their thoughts, but has found harmony within themselves. They rejoice in their newfound enlightenment and share it with others, spreading joy and compassion wherever they go.
- The seeker has overcome their obstacles and now rides the ox with ease
- They have found their true nature and experience a sense of freedom and joy
- The seeker shares their enlightenment with others and spreads compassion and understanding
The final three pictures in the series represent the highest state of spiritual attainment, where the distinction between the self and the world dissolves and the seeker becomes one with everything.
Through the ten Ox-Herding Pictures, Zen Buddhism teaches that enlightenment is a gradual process that requires hard work and dedication. But with perseverance and discipline, anyone can achieve true self-discovery and transformation.
Conclusion
The ten Ox-Herding Pictures offer a powerful metaphor for the spiritual journey towards enlightenment. By following the path of the ox and gradually taming our minds, we can find our true nature and experience the joy and freedom that come with it.
| Picture Number | Title |
|---|---|
| 1 | The Search for the Ox |
| 2 | Discovery of the Footprints |
| 3 | Perceiving the Ox |
| 4 | Catching the Ox |
| 5 | Taming the Ox |
| 6 | Riding the Ox Home |
| 7 | The Ox Forgotten, Leaving the Herd |
| 8 | The Selfless Being |
| 9 | Reaching the Source |
| 10 | Return to Society, Embracing Life |
Each picture represents a different stage of the journey towards enlightenment, culminating in the final state of oneness with the universe.
The ten Sefirot of the Kabbalistic Tree of Life: The Number 10 Represents the Completion of a Cycle
In Kabbalah, the number 10 is a symbol of completion and perfection. It represents the ten Sefirot, which are the emanations or attributes of God that are used to describe the structure of the universe. Each Sefirah represents a different aspect of God’s nature and the creation of the world. These ten Sefirot are arranged in a specific pattern on the Kabbalistic Tree of Life, which is used as a map to understand the spiritual world and how it relates to the physical world.
- The first Sefirah is Keter, which means “crown” in Hebrew. This represents the highest level of consciousness and the source of all creation.
- The second Sefirah is Chochmah, which means “wisdom” in Hebrew. This represents the creative force that brings new ideas and inspiration.
- The third Sefirah is Binah, which means “understanding” in Hebrew. This represents the ability to comprehend and analyze the information received from Chochmah.
- The fourth Sefirah is Chesed, which means “loving-kindness” in Hebrew. This represents the pure and unconditional love of God that is given freely to all of creation.
- The fifth Sefirah is Gevurah, which means “strength” or “judgment” in Hebrew. This represents the discipline and boundaries that are required to maintain balance in the universe.
- The sixth Sefirah is Tiferet, which means “beauty” in Hebrew. This represents the harmony and balance that is achieved when Chesed and Gevurah are combined.
- The seventh Sefirah is Netzach, which means “victory” or “eternity” in Hebrew. This represents the endurance and perseverance required to achieve spiritual growth.
- The eighth Sefirah is Hod, which means “splendor” or “glory” in Hebrew. This represents the humility and surrender that is required to receive the blessings of God.
- The ninth Sefirah is Yesod, which means “foundation” in Hebrew. This represents the connection between the physical world and the spiritual world.
- The tenth Sefirah is Malkuth, which means “kingdom” in Hebrew. This represents the physical world and the realization of God’s plan on earth.
The number ten also represents the completion of a cycle. Kabbalah teaches that each person is on a journey of spiritual growth and must go through ten stages or “gates” to reach their ultimate destination. The tenth gate represents the completion of this journey and the beginning of a new cycle of growth and learning.
Overall, the number 10 is a powerful symbol in Kabbalah that represents completion, perfection, and the journey of spiritual growth. Understanding the ten Sefirot and their meanings can give us a deeper understanding of the world around us and our place in it.
References:
| Author | Title | Publication | Date Accessed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Joshua Lampert | The Ten Sefirot: A Kabbalistic Map for Understanding the Universe | The Orchard Foundation | August 5, 2021 |
| David Ariel | Kabbalah: The Mystic Quest in Judaism | Rowman & Littlefield | August 5, 2021 |
The Ten Catholic Holy Days of Obligation
In the Catholic Church, there are ten Holy Days of Obligation, which are days when Mass attendance is mandatory. The number ten has a significant meaning in Christianity, as it is associated with the Ten Commandments and represents perfection and completion.
- The Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God (January 1)
- The Ascension of the Lord (40 days after Easter)
- The Assumption of Mary (August 15)
- All Saints Day (November 1)
- The Immaculate Conception of Mary (December 8)
- Christmas Day (December 25)
- The Epiphany (January 6)
- The Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ (Thursday after Trinity Sunday)
- The Sacred Heart of Jesus (Friday after the Octave of Corpus Christi)
- The Feast of Saints Peter and Paul (June 29)
These Holy Days of Obligation serve as important reminders of key events and teachings in the Catholic faith, and are meant to be a time for reflection and spiritual growth.
The Catholic Church places great importance on the number ten, as it is associated with the Ten Commandments, which form the basis of moral law in Christianity. The Ten Commandments were given to Moses by God on Mount Sinai and represent the foundation of the covenant between God and his people.
Additionally, the number ten is often associated with completion and perfection, as seen in the Ten Plagues of Egypt, the Ten Tribes of Israel, and the Ten Beatitudes. The Ten Holy Days of Obligation in the Catholic Church represent a complete and perfect cycle of important feasts and celebrations.
| Holy Day of Obligation | Date |
|---|---|
| Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God | January 1 |
| Ascension of the Lord | 40 days after Easter |
| Assumption of Mary | August 15 |
| All Saints Day | November 1 |
| Immaculate Conception of Mary | December 8 |
| Christmas Day | December 25 |
| Epiphany | January 6 |
| Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ | Thursday after Trinity Sunday |
| Sacred Heart of Jesus | Friday after the Octave of Corpus Christi |
| Feast of Saints Peter and Paul | June 29 |
In conclusion, the number ten holds great significance in the Catholic Church, as seen in the Ten Holy Days of Obligation and the Ten Commandments. These important feasts and celebrations serve as reminders of key events and teachings in the Catholic faith, and provide opportunities for spiritual growth and reflection.
The Ten Emperors of the Mongol Empire
The Mongol Empire was one of the largest empires in history, spanning over 13 million square miles at its peak. The empire was ruled by a series of ten emperors, each playing a pivotal role in the expansion and administration of the vast territory. The number 10 holds great significance in Mongolian culture, as it symbolizes perfection and completion. Let’s take a closer look at each of the ten emperors and their contributions:
- Genghis Khan (1206-1227): Founder of the Mongol Empire and renowned military leader who conquered vast territories in Asia and Europe.
- Ogedei Khan (1229-1241): Son of Genghis Khan, who expanded the empire to include the entire territory of China and established the capital at Karakorum.
- Guyuk Khan (1246-1248): Grandson of Genghis Khan who continued his predecessors’ conquests in Eastern Europe.
- Mongke Khan (1251-1259): Another grandson of Genghis Khan who extended the empire’s reach into Persia and the Middle East, solidifying Mongol control over the Silk Road.
- Kublai Khan (1260-1294): Brother of Mongke Khan who founded the Yuan Dynasty in China and attempted to invade Japan.
- Temujiin (1294-1307): Nephew of Kublai Khan and former minister who attempted to maintain the unity of the empire after a period of turmoil.
- Khaishan (1307-1311): Son of Temujiin who succeeded in consolidating power and enforcing Mongol law within the empire.
- Togon-temur (1333-1370): Last emperor of the Mongol Empire, who ruled the declining empire during a period of economic and cultural stagnation.
While the Mongol Empire fell into decline after the reign of Togon-temur, the legacy of the ten emperors laid the foundation for future Central Asian empires such as the Timurid and Mughal Empires. The number 10, representing perfection and completion, remains a symbol of the height of Mongolian power and expansion.
FAQs About What Does The Number 10 Symbolize
1. What is the significance of the number 10 in numerology?
In numerology, the number 10 represents completion, perfect order, and a new beginning. It is a powerful number associated with achievement, success, and leadership.
2. Why is 10 considered a holy number in many cultures?
Across many cultures and religions, 10 is considered a sacred or holy number. This is because it represents the completion of the divine cycle or path. It also symbolizes wholeness and unity.
3. What is the biblical meaning of the number 10?
In the Bible, the number 10 symbolizes divine law, harmony, and testimony. It is also associated with completeness and fullness.
4. What is the spiritual significance of the number 10?
In spiritual circles, the number 10 is linked to enlightenment, ascension, and transcendence. It represents the connection between the physical and spiritual realms and the journey towards higher consciousness.
5. What does it mean to see the number 10 in a dream?
Dreaming of the number 10 can signify a time of completion or a need for closure. It may also indicate the beginning of a new phase or cycle in your life.
6. How is the number 10 used in mathematics?
In mathematics, the number 10 is used as the base of our number system. It is also a highly divisible number and is often used in calculations and measurements.
7. What is the significance of the ten commandments in the Bible?
The ten commandments are a set of divine laws given to Moses on Mount Sinai. They symbolize the importance of living in harmony with God and one another, and emphasize the principles of love, respect, and righteousness.
Closing: Discover the Power of the Number 10
Thanks for taking the time to explore the significance of the number 10. Whether you are interested in numerology, spirituality, or mathematics, the number 10 holds a powerful place in our world. From completion to new beginnings, it represents the cycle of life and the journey towards higher consciousness. So why not embrace the power of the number 10 and see where it takes you? Thanks for reading, and don’t forget to come back for more insights and inspiration.