The Quotation IndexThe trusted reference for quotations and the sources behind them
Tag Tag Complacency
Success is a lousy teacher. It seduces smart people into thinking they can’t lose.
Bill Gates The Road Ahead · 1995

Quotes

“Constant care from everyone, in matters great and small and always, is a necessary condition for the company’s success.”

A.P. Møller · Letter to Lindø Shipyard Management, 1964 · Primary source

“The person who is the star of a previous era is often the last one to adapt to change.”

Andrew S. Grove · Only the Paranoid Survive, 1996 · Primary source

“Nothing fails like success.”

Arnold J. Toynbee · A Study of History, 1934-1961 · Primary source

“In this business, by the time you realize you’re in trouble, it’s too late to save yourself. Unless you’re running scared all the time, you’re gone.”

Bill Gates · Playboy Interview: Bill Gates, 1994 · Primary source

“Fear should guide you, but it should be latent.”

Bill Gates · Playboy Interview: Bill Gates, 1994 · Primary source

“But I must drop one word of caution; for, next to cowardice and treachery, overconfidence, leading to neglect or slothfulness, is the worst of martial crimes.”

Winston Churchill · Give us the tools, 1941 · Primary source

“Those whom the Gods wish to destroy, they first make bored.”

Ian Fleming · From Russia, with Love, 1957 · Primary source

Related Tags

Risk 29 Discipline 19 Adaptation 17 Diligence 15 Risk management 7 Success 7 Overconfidence 6 Preparedness 6 Organisational change 5 Self-assessment 5 Rettidig omhu 4 Constant care 4 Challenge and response 4 Risk awareness 4 Fear of failure 3 Military judgement 3 Past success 2 Competitive vigilance 2 Self-destruction 2 Strategic renewal 1 Civilisational growth 1 Strategic risk 1 IBM 1 Industry disruption 1 Organisational performance 1 Boredom 1 Restlessness 1