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About this quote

What does it mean?
True speed and progress come from avoiding self-reflection or internal constraints.
In plain terms
We move fastest when we avoid ourselves.
What can you take from it?
Progress often comes from avoiding deep self-reflection.

Where it applies

  • career advancement
  • creative work
  • personal habits

Putting it to work

  • use distraction for momentum
  • balance avoidance with reflection

Questions to consider

  • Are you running from yourself to move forward?
  • What stops you from stopping and reflecting?

Another view

Long-term growth often requires facing internal challenges.

More from Eric Hoffer

  1. We have rudiments of reverence for the human body, but we consider as nothing the rape of the human mind.

    Permalink to quote #221
  2. What are we when we are alone? Some, when they are alone, cease to exist.

    Permalink to quote #223
  3. We have perhaps a natural fear of ends. We would rather be always on the way than arrive. Given the means, we hang on to them and often forget the ends.

    Permalink to quote #220

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