I can write a poem in 10 minutes. I like writing songs; I can write songs in 5 or 10 minutes. My concentration seems very short.
Shel SilversteinRead
If you're behind the times, they won't notice you. If you're right in tune with them, you're no better than they are, so they won't care much for you. Be just a little ahead of them.
Interpretation
What this quote means
To stand out, one should be somewhat ahead of the crowd rather than conforming.
In this quote, Shel Silverstein emphasizes the importance of being slightly ahead of the mainstream in order to be noticed and appreciated. If a person simply follows the trends or aligns perfectly with the crowd, they risk being overlooked and undervalued, as they blend in rather than stand out. By maintaining a position just ahead of the times, one can attract attention and respect, highlighting the value of individuality and foresight.
Themes
TrendIndividualityMainstreamAppreciationInnovation
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used to inspire innovators at a business conference.
More from Shel Silverstein
All quotes →i made myself a snowball As perfect as can be. I thought I'd keep it as a pet, And let it sleep with me. I made it some pajamas And a pillow for it's head. Then last night it ran away, But first - It wet the bed.
Shel SilversteinRead
Listen to the mustn'ts, child. Listen to the don'ts. Listen to the shouldn'ts, the impossibles, the won'ts. Listen to the never haves, then listen close to me... Anything can happen, child. Anything can be.
Shel SilversteinRead
I will not play tug o' war. I'd rather play hug o' war. Where everyone hugs instead of tugs, Where everyone giggles and rolls on the rug, Where everyone kisses, and everyone grins, and everyone cuddles, and everyone wins.
Shel SilversteinRead
Pirate Captain Jim "Walk the plank," says Pirate Jim "But Captain Jim, I cannot swim." "Then you must steer us through the gale." "But Captain Jim, I cannot sail." "Then down with the galley slaves you go." "But Captain Jim, I cannot row." "Then you must be the pirate's clerk." "But Captain Jim, I cannot work.
Shel SilversteinRead
Each time I see the Upside-Down Man Standing in the water, I look at him and start to laugh, Although I shouldn't oughtter. For maybe in another world Another time Another town, Maybe HE is right side up And I am upside down
Shel SilversteinRead
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