If two men on a job agree all the time, then one is useless. If they disagree all the time, then both are useless.
Darryl F. ZanuckRead
If two men on the same job agree all the time, then one is useless. If they disagree all the time, both are useless.
Interpretation
Collaboration requires a balance of agreement and disagreement for true effectiveness.
The quote by Darryl F. Zanuck emphasizes the importance of healthy discourse in teamwork. It suggests that without differing perspectives, there is a lack of meaningful contribution, while constant disagreement can indicate a breakdown in cooperation. Thus, a productive partnership strikes a balance—where agreement fosters unity and disagreement sparks constructive dialogue, both essential for achieving success.
In practice
In a team meeting discussing strategies, this quote could be used to highlight the value of diverse opinions.
If two men on a job agree all the time, then one is useless. If they disagree all the time, then both are useless.
Though reading and conversation may furnish us with many ideas of men and things, yet it is our own meditation must form our judgment.
If your knowledge of fire has been turned to certainty by words alone, then seek to be cooked by the fire itself. Don't abide in borrowed certainty. There is no real certainty until you burn; if you wish for this, sit down in the fire.
Don't always try to be popular. It isn't possible for everyone to like you. It's far more important for you to like yourself. And when you respect yourself, strangely, you get more respect than when you court it from others.
Time marches on and sooner or later you realize it is marching across your face.
What has influenced my life more than any other single thing has been my stammer. Had I not stammered I would probably... have gone to Cambridge as my brothers did, perhaps have become a don and every now and then published a dreary book about French literature.
Reason and free inquiry are the only effectual agents against error... They are the natural enemies of error, and of error only... If [free enquiry] be restrained now, the present corruptions will be protected, and new ones encouraged.
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