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Make no little plans; they have no magic to stir men's blood and probably themselves will not be realized. Make big plans; aim high in hope and work, remembering that a noble, logical diagram once recorded will not die, but long after we are gone be a living thing, asserting itself with ever-growing insistence. Remember that our sons and our grandsons are going to do things that would stagger us. Let your watchword be order and your beacon beauty.

Daniel Burnham#1

AmbitionLegacyPlanningVision

About this quote

What does it mean?
Small plans fail to inspire or happen; great plans endure and influence future generations.
In plain terms
Think big because small ideas do not work or inspire people.
What can you take from it?
Aim high to create lasting impact.

Where it applies

  • planning
  • leadership
  • education

Putting it to work

  • setting goals
  • urban design

Questions to consider

  • What makes a plan noble or logical?
  • How do you ensure your work lasts?

Another view

Big plans can sometimes ignore practical constraints.

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