Thunder is good, thunder is impressive; but it is lightning that does the work.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Thunder is impressive, but lightning is what actually accomplishes work, implying that flashy displays are less effective than direct action.
- In plain terms
- Thunder looks impressive; lightning gets things done.
- What can you take from it?
- Focus on results rather than appearances.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- When have you valued flash over substance?
- How can you balance both?
Another view
Sometimes the 'thunder' (communication) is necessary to enable the 'lightning'.
More from Samuel Langhorne Clemens
I have been complimented many times and they always embarrass me; I always feel that they have not said enough.
Permalink to quote #50 The easy confidence with which I know another man's religion is folly teaches me to suspect that my own is also.
Permalink to quote #52 The rule is perfect: in all matters of opinion our adversaries are insane.
Permalink to quote #49
Related quotes
It's easier to ask forgiveness than it is to get permission.
Grace HopperGrace Hopper quote #4 When you confront a problem, you begin to solve it.
Rudy GiulianiRudy Giuliani quote #12 Ladies and gentlemen, I came here to avoid as much as possible treading on your corns. I had intended to deal only with the basic issue of economics that dicta…
Emma GoldmanEmma Goldman quote #1