Why the Message Matters More Than the Messenger

I’ve Learned a Lot from “Anonymous”

Wouldn’t it be nice to know who actually said those clever, insightful things? But here’s the real question: Does a statement carry more weight because it came from someone famous? But let’s be honest—does a statement become more profound, wise, brilliant, insightful, astute, sensible, intelligent, shrewd, or clever just because we know who said it? Or because it came from someone famous? I don’t think so.

Each quote should stand on its own, judged by its merit, not its author … whether it’s whispered by a philosopher or scribbled on a napkin, wisdom is wisdom.

A Few Anonymous Gems Worth Sharing

Below are a few “Anonymous Quotes” I’ve collected over the years that I thought you might find helpful:

• “I have often regretted my speech, never my silence.”

• “Minds are like parachutes—they only function when open.”

• “He is truly wise who gains wisdom from another's mishap.”

• “Worry doesn't help tomorrow's troubles, but it does ruin today's happiness.”

• “Good judgment comes from experience, and experience—well, that comes from poor judgment.”

• “Don't promise when you're happy. Don't reply when you're angry. Don't decide when you're sad.”

• “Be the kind of person you want to meet.”

• “Sometimes the smallest step in the right direction ends up being the biggest step of your life.”

• “If it costs you your peace, it's too expensive.”

• “A negative mind will never give you a positive life.”

Wisdom Is Only Useful If You Use It

Yes, Anonymous has shared a lot of wisdom with us over the years. But the real key to success—whether for a company or an individual—is applying that wisdom. I’ve seen countless organizations with powerful mission statements that fail to live up to what they’ve written. And far too many so-called “leaders” who dispense advice but don’t follow it themselves. Their attitude seems to be that words of wisdom are for other people—because they believe they make no mistakes. I’m sure you can think of two or three managers you’ve worked for who fit that description perfectly.

Learn from Others, Shorten Your Curve

Learn from other people’s experiences. Go to school on their successes and their failures. Let their wisdom shorten your learning curve. If I’ve learned one thing in business, it’s this: why experience the pain of learning something the hard way when you don’t have to? The more knowledge you can gain from others, the better off you’ll be.

Life is too short to learn and experience everything on your own. Success comes to those who seek knowledge—and apply it… regardless of who said it.