1. “Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid.”
— Albert Einstein
What does it mean?
This famous quote uses a comparison technique to compare ourselves (humans) to other living things that do not possess the skills necessary to do a certain task. As we all probably know, a normal fish is not able to climb a tree, because it does not have the right skills to do so. Using that metaphor, we can then understand that it is the same way with humans. Judging a human’s ability to do something, when they have not already developed the necessary skills to do the task, is very challenging and almost impossible. Which is why the human will believe that it is stupid because it is not able to complete the task at hand.
Who said it?
You have probably already heard of the famous speaker of this quote, Albert Einstein. But, more people have heard of him, then people who actually know who he is. Albert Einstein was a German-born physicist who developed the special and general theories of relativity, and won the Nobel Prize for Physics in 1921 because of his explanation of the photoelectric effect.
Why is it powerful and motivational (how does it affect us)?
This quote is not only powerful and motivational, but it is also meant to let people know to think twice before measuring and comparing themselves (and others) against inappropriate and unsuitable standards. In other words, not bringing ourselves down when we feel we are not good enough, and/or not smart. That is why the quote is so motivational, and can make people see different sides of themselves that they didn’t even know existed.
2. “Always stay true to yourself and never let what somebody else
says distract you from your goals.” — Michelle Obama
What does it mean?
This quote represents the meaning to ignore other people's personal attacks on you, as Michelle Obama expressed when she said: “when I hear about negative and false attacks, I really don't invest any energy in them, because I know who I am.” What this means is that you should never give someone the power they need to hurt you, and you should always know that what other people say about you doesn't need to be true.
Who said it?
Michelle Obama is an American attorney and author who was the former First Lady of the United States from 2009 to 2017. She is married to the 44th president of the United States, Barack Obama, and was the very first African-American First Lady! Some of Michelle Obama’s accomplishments include serving as an advocate for poverty awareness, education, physical activity, nutrition, and healthy eating.
Why is it powerful and motivational (how does it affect us)?
This quote is both powerful and motivational because it can be used in situations where you feel overruled by someone or something. You and your goals need to be put first instead of what other people think or say. Using this quote in situations can help you be put back in control against the personal attacks someone or something is throwing at you. Because, whether you know it or not, you are always in control of yourself and your response to others.
3. “As we look ahead into the next century, leaders will be those
who empower others.” — Bill Gates
Wh
at does it mean?
This quote means to take careful and conscious approaches to leadership roles, as it will further allow you to meet the standards and the quality of the people you work with. In other words, being a leader doesn’t always mean to be leading people, but to learn how to work closely with others and understand their way of thinking. Further understanding how others think can allow you to give them the right tools they need to grow, instead of just leading them around.
Who said it?
William Henry Gates III is an American business magnate, software developer, and philanthropist who cofounded Microsoft Corporation, the world's largest personal-computer software company.
Why is it powerful and motivational (how does it affect us)?
We may not understand completely how this quote affects us, but they’re are numerous ways that this quote can influence us and make an impact in our lives. Because this quote can help you be more focused on developing a healthy environment, it influences our concerns for all of our leadership roles in this world. ‘The future is bright’, is a hidden concept in this quote, because it touches upon the point of looking ahead into the future, and seeing ourselves in leadership positions.