No one wants to hear everything that's in your head. They just want you to live up to what comes out of your mouth.
Adam GrantRead
In the eyes of many people, giving doesn't count unless it's completely selfless. In reality, though, giving isn't sustainable when it's completely selfless.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Giving needs a balance between selflessness and self-care to be truly sustainable.
Adam Grant's quote highlights the misconception that true giving must be entirely selfless. Instead, he believes that sustainable generosity requires a degree of self-interest, as completely selfless actions can lead to burnout and reduce one's capacity to give in the long run. Acknowledging one's own needs is crucial for effective and enduring contributions to others.
Themes
GivingSelflessnessSustainabilityGenerositySelf-Care
In practice
Example use cases
During a workshop on volunteering, this quote can be used to illustrate the importance of self-care among helpers.
More from Adam Grant
All quotes βWhen you procrastinate, you're more likely to let your mind wander. That gives you a better chance of stumbling onto the unusual and spotting unexpected patterns.
Adam GrantRead
We have many identities, and we can't be authentic to them all. The best we can do is be sincere in our efforts to earn the values we claim.
Adam GrantRead
We all have thoughts and feelings that we believe are fundamental to our lives but that are better left unspoken.
Adam GrantRead
You want people who choose to follow because they genuinely believe in ideas, not because they're afraid to be punished if they don't. For startups, there's so much pivoting that's required that if you have a bunch of sheep, you're in bad shape.
Adam GrantRead
Procrastinating is a vice when it comes to productivity, but it can be a virtue for creativity.
Adam GrantRead
Similar quotes
Tomorrow exists even though I may not exist in it.
Jamaica KincaidRead
A light here required a shadow there.
Virginia WoolfRead
Well, protest is central to the evolution of black American culture. It was protest that really finally won our freedom for us. Beyond that, it's always interesting to note that it expanded the idea of democracy.
Shelby SteeleRead
People hear 'Africa' and they think about charitable commercials, or safari tours and animals. It's our responsibility to help change that perspective.
Masai UjiriRead
If at age 20 you are not a Communist then you have no heart. If at age 30 you are not a Capitalist then you have no brains.
George Bernard ShawRead
Yoga is not a practice - the word 'yoga' means union. It does not mean standing on your head, twisting your body, or holding your breath. Yoga means to know the union of life. When you experience everything as a part of yourself, you are in yoga.
Jaggi VasudevRead