Not adding value is the same as taking it away.
Seth GodinRead
The problem with taking offense is that it's really hard to figure out what to do with it after you're done using it. Better to just leave it on the table and walk away. Umbrage untaken quietly disappears.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Taking offense can complicate situations; it's often better to let negative feelings go.
This quote by Seth Godin emphasizes the futility of holding onto offense and suggests that rather than engaging with negative emotions, one should choose to walk away. By allowing umbrage to fade without confrontation, we can avoid unnecessary conflict and maintain a more peaceful mindset.
Themes
OffenseAngerUmbridgePeaceEmotion
In practice
Example use cases
A person might cite this quote during a team meeting to encourage a focus on solutions rather than grievances.
More from Seth Godin
All quotes →Excellence isn’t about meeting the spec, it’s about setting the spec. It defines what the consumer sees as quality right this minute, and tomorrow, if you’re good, you’ll reset that expectation again
Seth GodinRead
Living with doubt ... is almost always more profitable than living with certainty. _x000D_ People don't like doubt, so they pay money and give up opportunities to avoid it. _x000D_ Entrepreneurshi p is largely about living with doubt. If you need reassurance, you're giving up quite a bit to get it. On the other hand, if you can get in the habit of seeking out uncertainty, you'll have developed a great instinct.
Seth GodinRead
The danger of the Web is that you can go from idea to public announcement in under ten minutes.
Seth GodinRead
Art isn't only a painting. Art is anything that is creative, passionate and personal. Art is the unique work of a human being created to touch another. Art is created to have an impact, to change someone else.
Seth GodinRead
I made a decision to write for my readers, not to try to find more readers for my writing.
Seth GodinRead
Similar quotes
Cleave ever to the sunnier side of doubt.
Alfred Lord TennysonRead
The present moment is the substance with which the future is made. Therefore, the best way to take care of the future is to take care of the present moment. What else can you do?
Nhat HanhRead
I think one of life's great milestones is when a person can look back and be almost as thankful for the setbacks as for the victories.
Bob DoleRead
But it is hard to know them from friends, they are so obsequious and full of protestations; for a wolf resembles a dog, so doth a flatterer a friend.
Walter RaleighRead
They deem me mad because I will not sell my days for gold; and I deem them mad because they think my days have a price.
Khalil GibranRead
Everything deep is also simple and can be reproduced simply as long as its reference to the whole truth is maintained. But what matters is not what is witty but what is true.
Albert SchweitzerRead