Greatness is not found in possessions, power, position, or prestige. It is discovered in goodness, humility, service, and character.
William Arthur WardRead
Before you speak, listen. Before you write, think. Before you spend, earn. Before you invest, investigate. Before you criticize, wait. Before you pray, forgive. Before you quit, try. Before you retire, save. Before you die, give.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote emphasizes the importance of reflection and consideration before taking action.
William Arthur Ward's quote serves as a reminder that thoughtful contemplation is crucial in various aspects of life. Each directive urges individuals to pause and assess their actions—whether it be listening before speaking, thinking before writing, or saving before retiring—implying that such mindfulness can lead to better outcomes and more meaningful contributions to the world.
Themes
WisdomConsiderationThoughtfulnessActionReflection
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be shared during a team meeting to encourage thoughtful communication.
More from William Arthur Ward
All quotes →The optimist lives on the peninsula of infinite possibilities; the pessimist is stranded on the island of perpetual indecision.
William Arthur WardRead
Four steps to achievement: Plan purposefully. Prepare prayerfully. Proceed positively. Pursue persistently.
William Arthur WardRead
A warm smile is the universal language of kindness.
William Arthur WardRead
Change, like sunshine, can be a friend or a foe, a blessing or a curse, a dawn or a dusk.
William Arthur WardRead
Do more than be fair: be kind.
William Arthur WardRead
Similar quotes
Bewildered is the fox who lives to find that grapes beyond reach can be really sour.
Dorothy ParkerRead
May we be enlightened by a ray of the light that comes from Bethlehem, the light of He who is 'The Greatest' and made himself small.
Pope Benedict XviRead
We must embrace pain and burn it as fuel for our journey. She who loves roses must be patient and not cry out when she is pierced by thorns.
Kenji MiyazawaRead
I think time management as a label encourages people to view each 24-hour period as a slot in which they should pack as much as possible.
Tim FerrissRead
When from our better selves we have too long been parted by the hurrying world, and droop. Sick of its business, of its pleasures tired, how gracious, how benign is solitude.
William WordsworthRead
My advice: Don't waste so much time worrying about your skin or your weight. Develop what you do, what you put your hands on in the world.
Meryl StreepRead