Great minds discuss ideas, average minds discuss events, small minds discuss people.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Rickover claims that great minds discuss ideas, average minds discuss events, and small minds discuss people.
- In plain terms
- Great minds talk ideas, average minds talk events, small minds talk people.
- What can you take from it?
- Focus conversations on ideas rather than gossip.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Why are personal stories important?
- Can discussing people be constructive?
Another view
The hierarchy oversimplifies and undervalues personal narratives.
More from Hyman G. Rickover
Good ideas are not adopted automatically. They must be driven into practice with courageous patience.
Permalink to quote #41 You have to learn from the mistakes of others. You won't live long enough to make them all yourself.
Permalink to quote #43 Fish don't vote!
Permalink to quote #40
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