If you want to build a ship, don't drum up people to collect wood and don't assign them tasks and work, but rather teach them to long for the endless immensity of the sea.
Interpretation
The quote emphasizes fostering a deep desire for adventure and exploration rather than simply giving tasks.
Antoine De Saint-Exupery's quote suggests that effective leadership and inspiration are about igniting a passion for a larger vision, rather than merely directing people to complete tasks. By encouraging a longing for the 'endless immensity of the sea,' a leader can motivate individuals to take initiative and embrace the journey of creation and discovery, leading to more profound satisfaction and engagement in their pursuits.
In practice
During a team-building workshop, you could use this quote to emphasize the importance of cultivating passion in projects.
Grown-ups love figures... When you tell them you've made a new friend they never ask you any questions about essential matters. They never say to you "What does his voice sound like? What games does he love best? Does he collect butterflies? " Instead they demand "How old is he? How much does he weigh? How much money does his father make? " Only from these figures do they think they have learned anything about him.
Attitude is a paintbrush. It colors everything!
Water, thou hast no taste, no color, no odor; canst not be defined, art relished while ever mysterious. Not necessary to life, but rather life itself, thou fillest us with a gratification that exceeds the delight of the senses.
In those days, I didn't understand anything. I should have judged her according to her actions, not her words. She perfumed my planet and lit up my life. I should never have run away! I ought to have realized the tenderness underlying her silly pretensions. Flowers are so contadictory! But I was too young to know how to love her.
When a mystery is too overpowering, one dare not disobey.
When the body sinks into death, the essence of man is revealed. Man is a knot, a web, a mesh into which relationships are tied. Only those relationships matter. The body is an old crock that nobody will miss. I have never known a man to think of himself when dying. Never.
The biggest benefit of Apollo was the inspiration it gave to a growing generation to get into science and aerospace.
I believe in a passion for inclusion.
What's it like finding out Denzel Washington wants you to direct his next movie? It's like getting a phone call from Muhammad Ali or Michael Jordan saying they want you to coach them.
The desire of the moth for the star, Of the night for the morrow, The devotion to something afar From the sphere of our sorrow.
Rise free from care before the dawn, and seek adventures.
I was hopeless, now I'm on Hope Road.
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