No one wants to hear everything that's in your head. They just want you to live up to what comes out of your mouth.
Adam GrantRead
In the eyes of many people, giving doesn't count unless it's completely selfless. In reality, though, giving isn't sustainable when it's completely selfless.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Giving needs a balance between selflessness and self-care to be truly sustainable.
Adam Grant's quote highlights the misconception that true giving must be entirely selfless. Instead, he believes that sustainable generosity requires a degree of self-interest, as completely selfless actions can lead to burnout and reduce one's capacity to give in the long run. Acknowledging one's own needs is crucial for effective and enduring contributions to others.
Themes
GivingSelflessnessSustainabilityGenerositySelf-Care
In practice
Example use cases
During a workshop on volunteering, this quote can be used to illustrate the importance of self-care among helpers.
More from Adam Grant
All quotes βWhen you procrastinate, you're more likely to let your mind wander. That gives you a better chance of stumbling onto the unusual and spotting unexpected patterns.
Adam GrantRead
We have many identities, and we can't be authentic to them all. The best we can do is be sincere in our efforts to earn the values we claim.
Adam GrantRead
We all have thoughts and feelings that we believe are fundamental to our lives but that are better left unspoken.
Adam GrantRead
You want people who choose to follow because they genuinely believe in ideas, not because they're afraid to be punished if they don't. For startups, there's so much pivoting that's required that if you have a bunch of sheep, you're in bad shape.
Adam GrantRead
Procrastinating is a vice when it comes to productivity, but it can be a virtue for creativity.
Adam GrantRead
Similar quotes
It is a mistake to assume that if everybody does his job, it will be all right. The whole system may be in trouble.
W. Edwards DemingRead
The 'peace' the gospel brings is never the absence of conflict, but an ineffable divine reassurance within the heart of conflict; a peace that surpasses understanding.
Walter WinkRead
Those who learned to know death, rather than to fear and fight it, become our teachers about life.
Elisabeth Kubler-RossRead
Because you are defined not by life's imperfect moments, but by your reaction to them. And because there is joy in embracing - rather than running from - the utter absurdity of life.
Jenny LawsonRead
I felt that I breathed an atmosphere of sorrow.
Edgar Allan PoeRead
Sin is hell, grace is heaven; what madness it is to look more at hell than heaven.
Thomas BrooksRead