QuoteProject
Being a giver is not good for a 100-yard dash, but it’s valuable in a marathon.
Adam Grant
ShareWTF𝕏

Interpretation

What this quote means

Giving may not yield immediate rewards, but it is beneficial in the long run.

Adam Grant's quote emphasizes the idea that acts of generosity and support may not result in quick gains, likening it to the short sprint of a 100-yard dash. However, in the extended journey of life, represented by a marathon, these acts of giving cultivate lasting relationships, trust, and community which ultimately lead to greater fulfillment and success.

Themes

GivingMarathonGenerosityLong TermRelationships

In practice

Example use cases

During a leadership workshop, this quote can inspire attendees to prioritize long-term contributions over short-term success.

More from Adam Grant

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.
Adam GrantRead
When 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

Similar quotes

I never look forward, because I have no idea about how any of it happened to getting here. I've no idea how the next five years are going to be.
Paul MccartneyRead
Memories are dangerous things. You turn them over and over, until you know every touch and corner, but still you'll find an edge to cut you.
Mark LawrenceRead
There is a fifth dimension, beyond that which is known to man. It is a dimension as vast as space and as timeless as infinity. It is the middle ground between light and shadow, between science and superstition.
Rod SerlingRead
To have arrived on this earth as a product of a biological accident, only to depart through human arrogance, would be the ultimate irony.
Richard LeakeyRead
We are so afraid of the idea of having to die... that we always try to find excuses for the dead, as if we were asking beforehand to be excused when it is our turn.
Jose SaramagoRead
I dream of the realization of the unity of Africa, whereby its leaders combine in their efforts to solve the problems of this continent. I dream of our vast deserts, of our forests, of all our great wildernesses.
Nelson MandelaRead

A little wisdom, now and then

Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.