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.
All good ideas are terrible... _x000D_ Until people realize they are obvious. If you're not willing to live through the terrible stage, you'll never get to the obvious part.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Good ideas often face initial rejection, but eventually become accepted once their value is recognized.
This quote by Seth Godin emphasizes the journey of an idea from conception to acceptance. Initially, many valuable ideas may seem impractical or unappealing, often dismissed as 'terrible.' However, it is through perseverance and the willingness to endure this challenging phase that these ideas can mature and reveal their true potential, eventually becoming recognized for their obvious value. This transformation underscores the importance of resilience and patience in the creative process.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
In a brainstorming session to encourage participation, you might say, 'Remember, all good ideas are terrible at first, so let's share our wildest thoughts!'
More from Seth Godin
All quotes →Not adding value is the same as taking it away.
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
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.
The danger of the Web is that you can go from idea to public announcement in under ten minutes.
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.
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