Thursday, January 31, 2008

Best quote I've heard so far this year

'Minds are like parachutes they only function when they are open'- James Dewar, Scottish physicist 1842 –1923

I love that quote - we heard it from the Minister on Sunday at Chruch.

Two Questions:

How many of us in business and management keep an open mind all the time?

What is your favourite quote?

9 comments:

Anonymous said...

A closed mind can be as dangerous as a closed parachute. How about them Man United Boys. 3-1 and two goals for Ronaldo. Unfortunately I stillhave not had a chance to seethe game, but did get the reports on Fox Soccer Channel.

Trevor Gay said...

Rocky - good to see you blogging again and good luck with your site. The match you refer to was last Sunday against Tottenham and last night (Wednesday) United won again 2-0 aginast Portsmouth with Ronaldo scoring two more goals. He is on fire at present.

Anonymous said...

Four of my favorites:

Although I may have the exact quote a bit off...I once read that when Bertrand Russel was asked if he would die for his [pacifist] beliefs, he replied, "Of course not, I may be wrong."

Another, attributed to Andre Gide: "Believe those who seek the truth, doubt those that find it."

Marshall McLuhan's, "I don't necessarily agree with everything I say."

Finally, "All things is moderation...including moderation."

Anonymous said...

Great quote & true enough! I've caught myself many times not being open-minded and have regreted it all the times! The point is to recognize the times you are not thinking with an open mind (and when you are stubborn) and try to avoid it/correct it.

One of my favorite quotes is this:
"Luck is when preparation meets opportunity!"

Trevor Gay said...

Thanks Steve and Kostas - great wisdom, realism and dare I say it, simplicity in those quotes you hihglight.

Mike Gardner said...

My favorite: "What I bemoan is the growing prevalence of the brutal truth. We must do what we can to eradicate it!"

--Mark Twain--

Trevor Gay said...

Brilliant Mike - thanks!

Reminds me of Groucho Marx; 'Those are my principles!! and if you don't like them ..... I have some more'

Anonymous said...

Yes sir, the mind and the ears are always open to be sure! As for quotes...

You do not lead by hitting people over the head-that's assault not leadership. Dwight D. Eisenhower

You're on your own
And you know what you know
And you'll be the guy
Who decides where you'll go...Dr Seuss

Nature has given man one tongue and two ears, that we may hear twice as much as we speak..Epictetus

And from Joe Walsh...."Just 'cause I wrote it, don't mean I can play it." Being a trainer that goes to the "Those that can do...those that can't teach" school of thought! And equally applicable to those who are "professional" strategic planners!

What a terrific topic by the way...

Trevor Gay said...

Thanks Dave – As the world’s number one Eagles Fan I love the Joe Walsh comment.

I recall an interview with Joe Walsh on BBC radio over here in England a couple of years ago. Joe was asked by the reporter whether it was true The Eagles were not always as dedicated in their peak as they might have been and that it was just one long party - Joe's reply was classic - He said 'I can't remember'