The problem with taking offense is that it's really hard to figure out what to do with it after you're done using it. Better to just leave it on the table and walk away. Umbrage untaken quietly disappears.
Seth GodinRead
Change isn't made by asking permission. Change is made by asking forgiveness, later.
Interpretation
What this quote means
True change comes from taking action rather than waiting for approval, and if necessary, seeking forgiveness afterward.
This quote by Seth Godin emphasizes that meaningful change often requires boldness and initiative. Instead of seeking permission, which may never be granted, one should act upon their intentions and, if the actions upset the status quo, offer forgiveness later. It highlights the importance of courage and belief in one's vision over adherence to protocol or fear of repercussions.
Themes
ChangeActionForgivenessCourageInitiative
In practice
Example use cases
In a motivational speech about leadership and taking charge of situations.
More from Seth Godin
All quotes →Not adding value is the same as taking it away.
Seth GodinRead
Excellence isn’t about meeting the spec, it’s about setting the spec. It defines what the consumer sees as quality right this minute, and tomorrow, if you’re good, you’ll reset that expectation again
Seth GodinRead
Living with doubt ... is almost always more profitable than living with certainty. _x000D_ People don't like doubt, so they pay money and give up opportunities to avoid it. _x000D_ Entrepreneurshi p is largely about living with doubt. If you need reassurance, you're giving up quite a bit to get it. On the other hand, if you can get in the habit of seeking out uncertainty, you'll have developed a great instinct.
Seth GodinRead
The danger of the Web is that you can go from idea to public announcement in under ten minutes.
Seth GodinRead
Art isn't only a painting. Art is anything that is creative, passionate and personal. Art is the unique work of a human being created to touch another. Art is created to have an impact, to change someone else.
Seth GodinRead
Similar quotes
Women may be the one group that grows more radical with age.
Gloria SteinemRead
It would make everything I worked for meaningless if baseball is integrated but political parties were segregated.
Jackie RobinsonRead
We intend to try by every means in our power to seize the country and create a government without bloodshed.
Sun Yat-SenRead
Everything changes, nothing remains without change.
Gautama BuddhaRead
We should strive to welcome change and challenges, because they are what help us grow. With out them we grow weak like the Eloi in comfort and security. We need to constantly be challenging ourselves in order to strengthen our character and increase our intelligence.
H. G. WellsRead
We cannot ensure that women will be free of discrimination in the workplace and everywhere as long as women are not universally defended under our Constitution. As it stands now, the equal rights of women are subject to interpretation of law. That is a risk our mothers, sisters and daughters cannot afford.
Carolyn MaloneyRead