Someone is sitting in the shade today because someone planted a tree a long time ago.
Interpretation
The actions we take today can have long-lasting effects for future generations.
This quote emphasizes the importance of foresight and selflessness. It suggests that the benefits we enjoy now, such as comfort and security, often come from the sacrifices and contributions made by others in the past. Just as someone planted a tree for future shade, our current actions and decisions shape the world for those who come after us.
In practice
During a speech about sustainability, one might use this quote to highlight the importance of environmental conservation.
I have no views as to where it will be, but the one thing I can tell you is it won't do anything between now and then except look at you. Whereas, you know, Coca-Cola (KO) will be making money, and I think Wells Fargo (WFC) will be making a lot of money and there will be a lot - and it's a lot - it's a lot better to have a goose that keeps laying eggs than a goose that just sits there and eats insurance and storage and a few things like that.
If the world couldn't see your results, would you rather be thought of as the world's greatest investor but in reality have the world's worst record? Or be thought of as the world's worst investor when you were actually the best?
Cash never makes us happy, but it's better to have the money burning a hole in Berkshire's pocket than resting comfortably in someone else's.
I think you should read everything you can. In my case, by the age of 10, I'd read every book in the Omaha public library about investing, some twice. _x000D_ You need to fill your mind with various competing thoughts and decide which make sense.
The most common cause of low prices is pessimism - some times pervasive, some times specific to a company or industry. We want to do business in such an environment, not because we like pessimism but because we like the prices it produces. It's optimism that is the enemy of the rational buyer.
Oneβs objective should be to get it right, get it quick, get it out and get it over. Your problem wonβt improve with age.
Intellect does not attain its full force unless it attacks power.
I wish to have as my epitaph: 'Here lies a man who was wise enough to bring into his service men who knew more than he.'
Every ceiling reached becomes a floor.
I desire the things that will destroy me in the end.
Tomorrow is the most important thing in life. Comes into us at midnight very clean. It's perfect when it arrives and it puts itself in our hands. It hopes we've learned something from yesterday.
Everyone is a genius at least once a year. The real geniuses simply have their bright ideas closer together.
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