QuoteProject
There are always a lot of people so afraid of rocking the boat that they stop rowing. We can never get ahead that way.
Harry S. Truman
ShareWTF𝕏

Interpretation

What this quote means

This quote emphasizes the importance of taking risks and not succumbing to fear in order to progress.

Harry S. Truman's quote highlights how fear of change and reluctance to disturb the status quo can hinder personal and collective progress. The metaphor of 'rocking the boat' suggests that some individuals prioritize comfort over advancement, ultimately leading to stagnation. By urging people to continue 'rowing,' Truman advocates for bravery and action, suggesting that true progress requires overcoming fear and embracing challenges.

Themes

CourageProgressFearChangeAction

In practice

Example use cases

In a team meeting discussing innovation, I would cite this quote to encourage courage in proposing new ideas.

More from Harry S. Truman

May the sun never set on American baseball.
Harry S. TrumanRead
Having found the bomb we have used it. We have used it against those who attacked us without warning at Pearl Harbor, against those who have starved and beaten and executed American prisoners of war, against those who have abandoned all pretense of obeying international laws of warfare. We have used it in order to shorten the agony of war, in order to save the lives of thousands and thousands of young Americans.
Harry S. TrumanRead
Herbert Hoover once ran on the slogan, 'Two cars in every garage'. Apparently, the Republican candidate this year is running on the slogan, 'Two families in every garage'.
Harry S. TrumanRead
The only things worth learning are the things you learn after you know it all.
Harry S. TrumanRead
I never would have agreed to the formulation of the Central Intelligence Agency back in forty-seven, if I had known it would become the American Gestapo.
Harry S. TrumanRead
I would rather have peace in the world than be President.
Harry S. TrumanRead

Similar quotes

When our actions do not, our fears make us traitors.
William ShakespeareRead
You wouldn’t be normal if you were never afraid. Even the bravest men experience fear. One of the biggest jobs we all face in combat is to overcome fear.
Joseph HellerRead
If I feel strongly, I say it. I know I can do more good by being vocal than by staying quiet. I'd have a whole lot more money if I lied, but I wouldn't enjoy spending it.
Martina NavratilovaRead
I am a black woman, and my experiences would not be what they are if I wasn't. I'm so happy to share those experiences for other people to be able to learn from them.
Misty CopelandRead
We had to fight the enemy without in the Falklands. We always have to be aware of the enemy within, which is much more difficult to fight and more dangerous to liberty.
Margaret ThatcherRead
How do we expect change to occur if we are not willing to put on the whole armor of God and fight injustice wherever it raises its ugly head?
Bernice KingRead

A little wisdom, now and then

Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.

Quote by Harry S. Truman | QuoteProject