You will never stub your toe standing still. The faster you go, the more chance there is of stubbing your toe, but the more chance you have of getting somewhere.
Charles KetteringRead
We work day after day, not to finish things; but to make the future better ... because we will spend the rest of our lives there.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Our daily efforts are aimed at improving the future, which is where we will ultimately live.
This quote emphasizes the importance of daily work and efforts not merely as tasks to complete but as contributions to a better future. It reflects a mindset where one's actions are directed toward long-term outcomes, highlighting that the present contributes significantly to the quality of life in the future, encouraging us to be mindful of how we spend our time and energy.
Themes
FutureWorkLifeEffortsMotivationBetterment
In practice
Example use cases
Using this quote in a motivational speech to inspire a team to focus on their long-term goals.
More from Charles Kettering
All quotes →It is the 'follow through' that makes the great difference between ultimate success and failure, because it is so easy to stop.
Charles KetteringRead
When I was research head of General Motors and wanted a problem solved, I'd place a table outside the meeting room with a sign: "Leave slide rules here." If I didn't do that, I'd find someone reaching for his slide rule. Then he'd be on his feet saying, "Boss, you can't do it."
Charles KetteringRead
A research problem is not solved by apparatus; it is solved in a man's head.
Charles KetteringRead
My interest is in the future because I am going to spend the rest of my life there.
Charles KetteringRead
I often say that research is a way of finding out what you are going to do when you can't keep on doing what you are doing now.
Charles KetteringRead
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