You have a row of dominoes set up; you knock over the first one, and what will happen to the last one is that it will go over very quickly.
Interpretation
A small action can lead to significant consequences.
This quote highlights the power of initiating action; just as knocking over the first domino in a line causes all the others to fall, taking the first step towards a goal can lead to a cascade of positive outcomes and progress. It serves as a reminder that starting something, no matter how small, can create momentum toward larger achievements.
In practice
During a motivational speech to encourage employees to take the first step in their projects.
If a man's associates find him guilty of being phony, if they find that he lacks forthright integrity, he will fail. His teachings and actions must square with each other. The first great need, therefore, is integrity and high purpose.
The libraries of America are and must ever remain the home of free and inquiring minds. To them, our citizens-of all ages and races, of all creeds and persuasions-must be able to turn with clear confidence that there they can freely seek the whole truth, unvarnished by fashion and uncompromised by expediency.
You don't lead by hitting people over the head - that's assault, not leadership.
When pressure mounts and strain increases everyone begins to show the weaknesses in his makeup. It is up to the Commander to conceal his: above all to conceal doubt, fear, and distrust.
Some years ago I became president of Columbia University and learned within 24 hours to be ready to speak at the drop of a hat, and I learned something more, the trustees were expected to be ready to speak at the passing of the hat.
I hate war as only a soldier who has lived it can, only as one who has seen its brutality, its futility, its stupidity.
There is no such thing as an average runner. We are all above average.
Good tired, ironically enough, can be a day that you lost. But you wonβt even have to tell yourself, because you knew you fought your battles, you chased your dreams, you lived your days. And when you hit the hay at night, you settle easy, you sleep the sleep of the just, and you can say, βTake me away.
I must lose myself in action, lest I wither in despair.
Don't you quit. You keep walking, you keep trying, there is help and happiness ahead. Some blessings come soon. Some come late. Some don't come until heaven. But for those who embrace the gospel of Jesus Christ, they come. It will be alright in the end. Trust God and believe in Good Things to Come.
What's the point of being the best in the world if you scratch and claw your way to the top, and you push everybody down instead of lifting everybody else up with you?
You become a champion by fighting one more round. When things are tough, you fight one more round.
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