Wise Words World

A crowd sourced COLLECTION OF WISDOM to inspire, inform or just put a smile on your face.

Before publishing any significant note, publication, deck, or making any big decision, sleep on it. If you're ever told 'I have to have your answer now' ignore it.

Don’t believe everything you think.

Aways keep a book of potentially good ideas. News clippings, movie scenes, songs, art, whatever really.

If you are not able to follow, then you won’t be able to lead.

If you can’t be kind be quiet.

Less is more.

Be nothing but yourself.

The single biggest problem with communication is the illusion that it has taken place.

If you want things to change, you have to change things.

You can’t bin a bus.

Seek to understand before you seek to be understood.

It's not the situation that you find yourself in that matters, it's how you react to the situation that you find yourself in that matters.

Good looks opens doors. Good hair blows them off the hinges.

Here's to the crazy ones, the misfits, the rebels, the troublemakers, the round pegs in the square holes ... the ones who see things differently -- they're not fond of rules, & they have no respect for the status quo. You can quote them, disagree with them, glorify or vilify them, but the only thing you can't do is ignore them because they change things.They push the human race forward, & while some may see them as the crazy ones, we see genius, because the people who are crazy enough to think that they can change the world, are the ones who do.

You miss 100% of the shots you never take.

Listen to learn. Learn to listen.

When people advise you that things can’t get any worse, beware, they nearly always do!

The phone will never ring unless you make the first call.

Be decent to people.

You have two choices in life, to sit in the trench and wait for the enemy to come to kill you; or go climb out over the top and come out shooting.

The skill of sculpting is you just chip away everything that isn't David.

3 rules of management. 1) Fire the arseholes. 2) Get out of the way. 3) Make everything a learning experience.

The secret of success in advertising is to care passionately but ultimately not give a shit.

Make your life you life’s work.

I've failed over and over and over again in my life and that is why I succeed.

It’s amazing what can be achieved when you don’t care who gets the credit.

Nobody knows anything.

The human mind is like a parachute. It works much better when it's open.

Seek forgiveness, not permission.

Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible. And be kinder than is necessary.

There is no such thing as a bad idea - only an inappropriate one.

The more you do, the more you do.

Design a life.

Whatever is unconscious to you, happens upon you as fate.

You can't polish a turd...but you can roll it in glitter.

Turn that doubting, critical voice into a supportive one.

Never stop reading and always have something to read with you, especially when you travel.

Always empty the dishwasher before you go to bed - even if that is 3 am.

Near enough is not good enough.

Today you are You, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is Youer than You.

To thine own self be true.

When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves.

You are the only person in your own personal pity party, so the sooner you get out of it and get on with it, the better.

What matters is what matters to the people that matter.

Make things as simple as they need to be, and no simpler.

There are those that think with their left brain. The rest are right.

Just remember everyone is an expert at their own job, and marketing.

Let them imagine what they want to imagine.

If you follow conventional wisdom, all you'll ever be is conventional.

Never stop learning.

Anyone who stops learning is old, whether at twenty or eighty. Anyone who keeps learning stays young. The greatest thing in life is to keep your mind young.

All generalistions are bad.

Always face the sun so your shadows will be behind you.

Avoid buying the best of what you are offered, but instead work out what you need and go find it.

Don't just write it, say it.

There are three constants in life...change, choice and principles.

Be nice to everyone on your way up, for you never know who you will meet on the way down.

When creating a brand you only need the answers to 3 questions. 1. What is the problem? 2. What is the solution? 3. Why can only they do it?

Do unto others as you'd like to be done by. But if they screw you, screw them back.

Don't just stand there. Do something.

Always look at both sides before you judge.

When driving, always treat everyone else on the road as an idiot. Whether walking, on bikes, motorbikes, or in cars always assume those near you will do something amazingly stupid.

Speak Up. Speak up to inspire others. Speak up to challenge and change. Speak up to celebrate and praise.

"I am a rebel." Answer written to the question describe yourself in 3 words.

Work hard and be nice.

Many of life's failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.

We can't solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them.

Reach for the stars but keep your feet on the ground. 

There are those that write the rules. Those that follow the rules. And those that bend the rules.

When you come to a roadblock, take a detour.

If there is doubt, there is no doubt.

Remember that however bad things get they usually turn into a funny story later.

Spend time preparing before meeting lawyers. They charge by the hour.

Write at least one book in your lifetime.

Don’t be mean giving credit. There’s plenty of glory for everybody in success.

Never move jobs only for the money.

It’s not what you say that counts, it’s what they hear that matters.

Ask yourself what gets you out of bed in the morning?

Always be prepared to apologise when you’re wrong.

Price is the first indicator of quality.

Smile first, even if you plan to criticise someone.

It's ok to disagree, but there is no need to be disagreeable about it.

Look for the miracle in everything.

Take worries off your bosses desk.

Great minds like a think.

Do real stuff that real people really value first (and second and third ..), worry about everything else last.

Leadership is about empathy - having the ability to relate and connect with people for the purpose of inspiring and empowering them.

All you need to be is just a little bit better than you were yesterday…now you can manage that more than an Oscar or an Olympic medal.

Always get into a sports car bottom first (so as not to flash your pants in a skirt).

Don't take "No" from someone who can't say "Yes".

There are those that can. The rest are can'ts.

Measure twice, cut once.

The most difficult thing is the decision to act, the rest is merely tenacity.

Do as you would be done by.

Always be true to yourself.

Don’t just say you don’t do bad things - don’t do them.

I've lived through some terrible things in my life, some of which actually happened.

Welcome to the board. The place where shit flows upwards.

Lord, protect me from my friends; I can take care of my enemies.

How you are to others on the way up is how they will be to you when you plateau, stall or fall. And you will.

Sign your letters in blue pen, so people know it is you and not a photocopy

If it doesn't kill you, or get you arrested, just do it.

Good things happen to good people.

People won't remember what you said, they won't remember what you did, but they'll never forget how you made them feel.

Quote curator: Brian Jacobs

As a blogger I've experienced the wisdom in this. Many of my original pieces would probably have caused me no end of problems (as well as contradicting my rule - never move jobs for money).

Quote curator: Sarah Bussey

Anon.

Quote curator: Abba Newbury

Taught to me by Chris Sutcliffe. I still use this today as a problem agitator, to run through some random stimulus to try and solve that problem. I did it today actually.

Quote curator: Simon Bowthorpe

Taught to just about any officer in the UK/US Armed Forces.

Quote curator: Sarah Bussey

From my mum.

Quote curator: Dr Chris Arnold.

Great advice across all areas. We live in a world that seeks to make the simple complicated, but the person who can simplify the complicated is the greater.

Quote curator: Chris Humphrey

Quote curator: Damien Burns

Courtesy of George Bernard Shaw

Quote curator: Danny Donovan

Totally stolen and mildly bastardised from the great ad creative Dave Trott.

Quote curator: Tim Bleakley

If something is so big and obvious you can't ignore it.

Quote curator: David Wood

The Fifth habit of Stephen Covey's “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People”.

Quote curator: Sam McIlveen

Quote curator: Damien Burns

Courtesy of Sam Malone (barman in Cheers TV show).

Quote curator: Tim Davis

Written by Rob Siltanen who wrote the Think Different ad campaign for Apple.

Quote curator: Mark Palmer

Courtesy of Wayne Gretsky Ice Hockey Legend.

Quote curator: Anthony Clifton

You can't learn when you are talking.

Quote curator: Nick Crean

Quote curator: Dr Chris Arnold.

From my dad on salesmanship. His philosophy was that you had to go out there and make opportunity.

Quote curator: Greg Grimmer

Media is a ruthless game with not too many principles. Be good, be honest and trust people well and whilst it might cost in the short-term, it pays off in the long-term.

Quote curator: Simon Bowthorpe

Fom my first boss at ad agency Young and Rubicom.

Quote curator: David Wood

There is no evidence that this was said by Michelangelo or Ruskin. However, it is still a pretty good thought in how you change and shape companies.

Quote curator: David Wood

Borrowed this from Scott Adams (Dilbert cartoonist) many years ago.

Quote curator: Chris King

Courtesy of Frank Cockman my first Board Account Director in advertising.

Quote curator: Faris Yakob

Quote curator: Mark Palmer

Courtesy Michael Jordon.

Quote curator: Michael Leo Gallagher

Quote curator: David Wood

From Adventures in the Screen Trade - William Goldman.

Quote curator: Matin Wickers

Courtesy of Frank Zappa. American composer, guitarist, and satirist.

Quote curator: Dr Chris Arnold.

My dad said most people (especially bureaucrats) say "no". So just do it and face the music afterwards. 9 times out of 10 no one says anything and if you pull a success off you get the praise.

Quote curator: Max Sides

Dalai Lama XIV.

Quote curator: Bob Wootton

Quote curator: Jack Moolark

The reward for great work is more work.

Quote curator: Jonathan Durden

Don’t aim off what you really want for fear of failure. It’s as easy to to go for it as it is to guarantee missing the mark. Courtesy of Nick Horswell.

Quote curator: Mark Holden

From Carl Jung (psychoanalyst) as it requires consideration. Until you make conscious and integrate the hived-off elements of your own psyche you will keep meeting them in your day to day life

Quote curator: Don Barclay

Not philisophical, but comes in handy when you have seen as many ad briefs as I have.

Quote curator: Kathryn Jacob OBE

I think that one of the biggest issues people face is their own inner voice that holds them back.

Quote curator: Bob Wootton

Quote curator: Jo Rigby

Based on decades of research, a day that starts having to empty a dishwasher holds less creative promise than using that time to sit and think about what you are going to achieve.

Quote curator: Justin Shill

Quote curator: Marc Lewis

From Dr. Seuss. There is a greek word, telos, which means purpose. As in the purpose of a knife is to cut. Your purpose is to be you. Now then, how are you going to change the world or make it a better place?

Quote curator: Don Barclay

My father told me and I've never forgotten it. I've also passed it on to a few people who had awkward life decisions to make and it really helped them.

Quote curator: Sarah Bussey

From Viktor Frankl. Austrian neurologist, psychiatrist, philosopher, author, and Holocaust survivor.

Quote curator: Simon Bowthorpe

From Mark Ormrod MBE. Former Royal Marine, Invictus Games athlete

Quote curator: Martin Loat

Remember who is making the decision.

Quote curator: Damien Blackden

Courtesy of Einstein.

Quote curator: Dr Chris Arnold.

This is one all us dyslexics love.

Quote curator: Abba Newbury

From Katie Vanneck Smith, former Global President, Dow Jones - as I entered my first job in marketing. This has helped me hugely in soliciting and listening to a wide range of feedback and knowing when to take it on or not.

Quote curator: Martin Loat

Quote curator: Dr Chris Arnold.

I picked this up from Simon Woodroff (founder of Yo Sushi!) Basically "Don't do average."

Quote curator: Dr Chris Arnold.

Quote curator: Mark Palmer

Courtesy of Henry Ford.

Quote curator: Greg Grimmer

Quote curator: Hugh Lindsay

One from my grandfather.

Quote curator: Alastair Buckle

Quote curator: Dave Dye

Next time you come up with an angle or positioning, try it in a conversation first. If you feel uncomfortable saying it face to face, don't say it via an ad. Try telling someone 'you should try that Aperol Spritz because together you'll joy' ?

Quote curator: Mark Palmer

Courtesy of Steve Covey's seven success lessons.

Quote curator: Ali Crossley

Early in my career my father gave me this advice. 35 years later I had dinner with one of my old mentees who recalled how she tried to live by it.

Quote curator: Mark Palmer

Advice to me by Steve Richards then COO at brand consultancy Woolf Olins.

Quote curator: Dr Chris Arnold.

My dad's words of wisdom. He was all about playing fair but said we should never let ourselves be taken advantage of.

Quote curator: Hamish Thomson

Quote curator: Dr Chris Arnold.

Quote curator: Brian Jacobs

Learned from my father. Be prepared for the worst, in other words. When it doesn't happen, 99.99% of the time you can be pleasantly surprised.

Quote curator: Lindsey Clay

Meant as encouragement originally to women whose voices are heard less frequently. All it takes for evil to flourish is for good people to remain silent.

Quote curator: Mark Palmer

When someone asks you to do something you can ask why?

Quote curator: Richard Webb

Quote curator: Mark Palmer

Courtesy of Thomas Edison.

Quote curator: Tim Davis

From Einstein on the essence of problem solving.

Quote curator: Justin Shill

Quote curator: Dr Chris Arnold.

Atributed to fellow dyslexic Henry Ford. Sometimes bend is replaced with break or rewrite. Essentially it divides us into 3 types, the latter being the creative, innovators.

Quote curator: James Cooper

That's helped me literally (especially travelling through Africa) as well as figuratively in careers and personal life.

Quote curator: Ewan Adams

Quote curator: David Wheldon OBE

One I would share with my teams at various times along the way from my working experience.

Quote curator: Mark Palmer

Said to me by a CEO before meeting the lawyers. If you want to get the best return from time with someone think what you really need to ask.

Quote curator: Dr Chris Arnold.

Quote curator: Bob Wootton

Quote curator: Brian Jacobs

Take the job if it advances your career, if it will make you happier by allowing you to fulfill your potential. If it comes with more money, great. But never move only for the money.

Quote curator: Steve Richards

Quote curator: Dr Chris Arnold.

Find your passion and follow it and you'll be a very happy person. Sadly few people follow their passions.

Quote curator: Bob Wootton

Quote curator: David Wood

Courtesy of brand legend Robin Wight and one of my favourites.

Quote curator: Dr Chris Arnold.

Quote curator: Steve Hobbs

One of the many pieces of wisdom learned from legendary agency leader Nigel Sharrocks.

Quote curator: Paul Frampton.

Even a crappy situation has some positive upside! As true in life in general as professionally.

Quote curator: Dan Hagen

Advice from my dad. It served me pretty well...but you should probably ask some of my bosses.

Quote curator: David Wood

Quote curator: Steve Hobbs

Quote curator: Grant Gorrie

One I have increasingly tried to remember the older I get.

Quote curator: Steve Richards

Quote curator: Abba Newbury

The advice I got from my mother on leaving Uni into the big wild work of work. Thanks Mum!!

Quote curator: Mark Wood

Quote curator: Dr Chris Arnold.

Read that out loud! Slogan Creative Orchestra had painted in big letters on the wall. I have no time for people who give up or say it can't be done before they tried.  

Quote curator: Paul Wilson

My father's DIY advice has saved me on many occasions and is applicable beyond carpentry.

Quote curator: Mark Palmer

Courtesy of Amelia Earhart.

Quote curator: Brian Jacobs/Barry Cupples

Treat people the way you want to be treated.

Quote curator: Chris Rayner/Linda Norris

What Chris's dad always said to him. The one thing Linda says you can still always rely on with me.

Quote curator: Bob Wootton

Quote curator: Tim Davis

It's by Mark Twain on the futility of worrying.

Quote curator: Anon

Explanation on joining the board at Saatchi & Saatchi.

Quote curator: Mark Borkowski

I discovered it’s from Voltaire. It’s cherished wisdom handed down to me by my Dad. A great aphorism and a reality check when business gets weird.

Quote curator: Bob Wootton

Everyone says it but it’s no less true for that.

Quote curator: Abba Newbury

The advice I got from my mother on leaving Uni into the big wild work of work.

Quote curator: Dr Chris Arnold.

Maybe not always great advice but essentially it's all life is better for taking risks

Quote curator: Marc Bignell

Quote curator: David Wheldon OBE

Paraphrasing Maya Angelou. American poet, memoirist, and civil rights activist. Hollywood’s first female black director.

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