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Preserve substance; modify form; know the difference.
Dee Hock
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Focus on the core essence of things while being adaptable in approach and presentation.

This quote emphasizes the importance of distinguishing between the fundamental essence of ideas, values, or actions (substance) and their outward presentation or method of delivery (form). It suggests that while it is crucial to maintain the integrity of what is important, one should be flexible and willing to change how that substance is expressed or implemented.

Themes

SubstanceFormAdaptabilityWisdomFlexibility

In practice

Example use cases

In a business meeting discussing new strategies.

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We are now at a point in time when the ability to receive, utilize, store, transform and transmit data - the lowest cognitive form - has expanded literally beyond comprehension. Understanding and wisdom are largely forgotten as we struggle under an avalanche of data and information.
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You learn nothing form your successes except to think too much of yourself. It is from failure that all growth comes, provided you can recognize it, admit it, learn from it, rise above it, and then try again.
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It is not making better people of others that management is about. It's about making a better person of self. Income, power, and titles have nothing to do with that.
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