I sometimes think we consider too much the good luck of the early bird and not enough the bad luck of the early worm.
Interpretation
This quote highlights the idea that while we often celebrate those who succeed through early action, we should also consider the consequences of those actions on others.
Franklin D. Roosevelt's quote reflects the duality of luck and opportunity, suggesting that while the 'early bird' is often praised for its success, we must not overlook the plight of the 'early worm,' which symbolizes the risks and sacrifices that come with being first. It serves as a reminder to appreciate not just the advantages of proactive behavior, but also the potential downsides that others may face as a result of it.
In practice
This quote can be used in a leadership seminar to discuss the risks of taking the lead too quickly.
There has been one persistent theme through all Axis propaganda. This theme has been that Americans are admittedly rich, that Americans have considerable industrial power - but that Americans are soft and decadent, that they cannot and will not unite and work and fight. ... Let them tell that to the Marines!
The only limit to our realization of tomorrow will be our doubts of today.
A war of ideas can no more be won without books than a naval war can be won without ships. Books, like ships, have the toughest armor, the longest cruising range, and mount the most powerful guns.
Better the occasional faults of a government that lives in a spirit of charity than the consistent omissions of a government frozen in the ice of its own indifference.
Men are not prisoners of fate, but only prisoners of their own minds.
A world turned into a stereotype, a society converted into a regiment, a life translated into a routine, make it difficult for either art or artists to survive. Crush individuality in society and you crush art as well. Nourish the conditions of a free life and you nourish the arts, too.
I would rather sit on a pumpkin and have it all to myself, than be crowded on a velvet cushion.
It's a tragedy, in a way, that Americans are brought up to think that they cannot feel for other people and other beings just because they are different. They think they're different. It's very limiting.
I like to see flowers growing, but when they are gathered, they cease to please. I look on them as things rootless and perishable; their likeness to life makes me sad. I never offer flowers to those I love; I never wish to receive them from hands dear to me.
Of what use are all the codes in the world, if by means of confidential reports, if for trifling reasons, if through anonymous traitors any honest citizen may be exiled or banished without a hearing, without a trial?
Man is a marvelous curiosity...he thinks he is the Creator's pet...he even believes the Creator loves him; has passion for him; sits up nights to admire him; yes and watch over him and keep him out of trouble. He prays to him and thinks he listens. Isn't it a quaint idea.
A king who dies on the cross must be the king of a rather strange kingdom.
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