If you don't give up, you still have a chance. And when you are small, you have to be very focused and rely on your brain, not your strength.
Interpretation
Persistence and intelligence are key to overcoming challenges, especially when resources are limited.
Jack Ma emphasizes the importance of persistence in achieving success, suggesting that as long as one does not give up, there remains hope for achievement. He further points out that for those who might feel small or disadvantaged, it's essential to rely on intellect and focus rather than physical strength to navigate challenges.
In practice
This quote can be used in a motivational speech to encourage students to never give up on their dreams.
Hong Kong people say Hong Kong needs to preserve its uniqueness. I say Hong Kong's uniqueness is in its diversity, its tolerance of difference cultures... China does not want to see Hong Kong in decline. I have full confidence in its future.
If we are a good team and know what we want to do, one of us can defeat tons of them.
It's not that other countries steal jobs from you guys. It's your strategy. Distribute the money and things in a proper way.
Helping doing business easier, we choose the name Alibaba because it is a global company. It is founded in China, but it was created for the world.
In the beginning I just wanted to survive. For the first three years, we made zero revenue. I remember many times when I was trying to pay up, the restaurant owner would say, 'Your bill was paid.' And there would be a note saying, 'Mr. Ma, I'm your customer on the Alibaba platform. I made a lot of money, and I know you don't, so I paid the bill.'
Even if your competitor is still small in size or weak, you should take him seriously and treat him as a giant. Likewise, even if your competitor is massive in size, you shouldn't regard yourself as a weakling.
There is a Japanese proverb that literally goes 'Raise the sail with your stronger hand,' meaning you must go after the opportunities that arise in life that you are best equipped to do.
The secret of unleashing your true power is setting goals that are exciting enough that they truly inspire your creativity and ignite yourpassion.
I want to surf better tomorrow. I want to surf better in 10 years. When I'm 50 I want to be a better surfer than I am now - for me it's a lifelong journey.
Perseverance has kept me going over the years. Things rarely happen overnight. Filmmakers should be prepared for many years of hard work. The sheer toil can be healthy and exhilarating.
It's silly to work hard the whole week and then spoil it by not preparing properly before the game.
When we first begin fighting for our dreams, we have no experience and make many mistakes. The secret of life, though, is to fall seven times and get up eight times.
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