We are now heading down a centuries-long path toward increasing the productivity of our natural capital - the resource systems upon which we depend to live - instead of our human capital.
Paul HawkenRead
Don't be put off by people who know what is not possible. Do what needs to be done, and check to see if it was impossible only after you are done.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Don't let naysayers deter you from pursuing your goals; take action first and evaluate the feasibility afterward.
This quote emphasizes the importance of taking initiative and not allowing the skepticism of others to hinder your efforts. Instead of being discouraged by those who focus on limitations, it encourages individuals to take decisive actions towards their goals, assessing the challenges only after achieving results.
Themes
MotivationActionPossibilityInitiativePerseverance
In practice
Example use cases
In a motivational speech to inspire employees to embrace risk.
More from Paul Hawken
All quotes →Inspiration is not garnered from the litanies of what may befall us; it resides in humanity's willingness to restore, redress, reform, rebuild, recover, reimagine, and reconsider.
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We can no longer prosper by increasing human productivity. The more we try to do, the more poverty we will create.
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At present we are stealing the future, selling it in the present, and calling it gross domestic product.
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How much harm does a company have to do before we question its right to exist?
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We have the capacity to create a remarkably different economy: one that can restore ecosystems and protect the environment while bringing forth innovation, prosperity, meaningful work, and true security.
Paul HawkenRead
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