Don't be afraid to give up the good to go for the great. – John D. Rockefeller
—What lingers after this line?
Pursuing Excellence
This quote encourages individuals to strive for excellence rather than settling for mediocrity. It suggests that in order to achieve greatness, one may need to let go of what is merely good or satisfactory.
Taking Risks
It highlights the importance of taking risks and stepping out of one's comfort zone. Embracing uncertainty and potential loss in pursuit of bigger goals is necessary for significant achievements.
Personal Growth
The quote implies that growth often requires sacrifice. Personal and professional development may involve making difficult decisions and choosing paths that offer greater potential but are less secure.
Long-Term Vision
Rockefeller's message underscores the importance of long-term vision. True success often requires focusing on future possibilities rather than immediate gains.
Historical Context
John D. Rockefeller was an American industrialist and philanthropist who founded the Standard Oil Company. His success in business was largely due to his willingness to take calculated risks and pursue ambitious goals.
Recommended Reading
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
One-minute reflection
Why might this line matter today, not tomorrow?
Related Quotes
6 selectedTo do common things perfectly is far better than to pretend to do wonderful things badly. — William Morris
William Morris
William Morris’s remark begins with a sharp moral distinction: it is better to perform ordinary work with real skill than to chase grandeur without competence. In that sense, he challenges the temptation to value appeara...
Read full interpretation →It is not enough to do your best; you must know what to do and then do your best. — W. Edwards Deming
W. Edwards Deming
At first glance, Deming’s line sounds like a simple call to work harder, yet it actually argues for something more disciplined: effort alone is insufficient without clarity about purpose. In other words, sincerity does n...
Read full interpretation →You don't have enough time to be both unhappy and mediocre. It's not just pointless, it's painful. — Seth Godin
Seth Godin
Seth Godin’s line compresses a hard truth: carrying both unhappiness and mediocrity is an expensive way to live. Mediocrity already implies a quieter life—less agency, fewer risks, and smaller rewards—yet unhappiness add...
Read full interpretation →The price of excellence is discipline. The cost of mediocrity is disappointment. — William Arthur Ward
William Arthur Ward
William Arthur Ward frames achievement as a transaction: excellence requires an upfront payment—discipline—while mediocrity quietly accrues a different bill—disappointment. The contrast is deliberate, because it suggests...
Read full interpretation →Ambition without implementation is a ridiculous delusion. — Robin Sharma
Robin Sharma
Robin Sharma’s line cuts through the romance of big dreams by insisting that ambition is only meaningful when it moves beyond intention. In other words, goals that live solely in imagination become self-deception—comfort...
Read full interpretation →To be free of a certain kind of ambition is a necessary condition for being a free man. — Nassim Nicholas Taleb
Nassim Nicholas Taleb
Taleb’s line begins with a provocation: some ambitions don’t elevate you—they tether you. The “certain kind” matters, because not all striving is corrosive; rather, it’s the ambition that makes your choices hostage to ex...
Read full interpretation →More From Author
More from John D. Rockefeller →Looking at the bright side of everything, you will see that every cloud has a silver lining. — John D. Rockefeller
This quote encourages maintaining a positive outlook even in difficult situations, suggesting that challenging moments often contain the potential for positive outcomes.
Read full interpretation →Without action, you aren’t going anywhere. — John D. Rockefeller
This quote highlights the necessity of taking action to make progress. Without effort and execution, dreams and plans cannot materialize.
Read full interpretation →To know what you want is the first step toward getting it. — John D. Rockefeller
This quote emphasizes the importance of clearly defining one's goals before taking action. Without knowing what one truly wants, it becomes difficult to create a plan or path toward achieving it.
Read full interpretation →You may be surprised at the opportunities that are created by the mere act of trying. — John D. Rockefeller
This quote highlights the significance of making an attempt, suggesting that success often begins with simply trying. Without effort, potential opportunities remain undiscovered.
Read full interpretation →