There is nothing more important to a democracy than an active and engaged press.
William H. McravenRead
If you can't do the little things right, you will never do the big things right.
Interpretation
Small actions lay the foundation for larger successes.
This quote emphasizes the importance of mastering the small details in life as a prerequisite for achieving greater accomplishments. It suggests that attention to the little things is crucial because they create a strong platform for future success, highlighting that great achievements are often built on a series of smaller, well-executed tasks.
In practice
In a speech about teamwork, you might use this quote to emphasize the importance of focusing on the details for overall success.
There is nothing more important to a democracy than an active and engaged press.
We must challenge this statement and this sentiment that the news media is the enemy of the American people. This sentiment may be the greatest threat to democracy in my lifetime.
Flaws and all, I believe the free press is our country's most important institution - one I am more than happy to defend. One I did, in fact, defend for 37 years.
SEALs aren't the only heroes out there. Everyone who puts on a uniform meets that threshold.
To be a good leader, you have to be a good communicator. As a leader, you have to communicate your intent every chance you get, and if you fail to do that, you will pay the consequences.
If you start focusing on the next job, then you're probably not going to do the one you have very well.
To do anything in this world worth doing, we must not stand back shivering and thinking of the cold and danger, but jump in, and scramble through as well as we can.
I will try one hundred times to get up, and if I fail one hundred times. If I fail and I give up, will I ever get up? No! If I fail Iβll try again, and again and again. But I want to tell you itβs not the end.
Advance, and never halt, for advancing is perfection. Advance and do not fear the thorns in the path, for they draw only corrupt blood.
Self-discipline is a rigorous process at best; too many of us want it to be effortless and painless.
If you ask why I do what I do - I want to make a difference. I don't just want to maintain the status quo. I want to help people, to work with institutions or create ones when they don't exist.
Under pressure, you can win with your mind.
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