We’ve all heard that advice, right? Most people, if they’ve been around long enough, know that anyone who has a closed mind and therefore says that something is definitively impossible, often gets their ego handed to them on a platter when they are eventually proven wrong. Still, there are naysayers out there in droves, who like nothing more than to dismiss new ideas as crazy, impossible, fantasy, pipe dreams, etc.
When someone tells you that something can’t be done, refer them to these quotes – they’ll think twice about questioning the capability and drive of the human spirit:
“I think there is a world market for maybe five computers.” – Thomas Watson, chairman of IBM, 1943
“Heavier than air flying machines are impossible.” – Lord Kelvin, President, Royal Society, 1895
“There is no reason anyone would want a computer in their home.” – Ken Olson, President, Chairman and Founder of Digital Equipment Corporation, 1977
“Everything that can be invented has been invented.” – Charles H. Duell, Commissioner, U.S. Patent Office, 1899
“This ‘telephone’ has too many shortcomings to be seriously considered as a means of communication. The device is inherently of no value to us.” – Western Union, internal memo, 1876
“Television won’t last because people will soon get tired of staring at plywood box every night.” — Darryl Zanuck, movie producer, 20th Century Fox, 1946
The funny thing is, as an entrepreneur, this kind of mentality is motivating for me. When someone says I can’t do something, it just pisses me off and makes me go out and get it done. Some relatives said I should never leave college to pursue my business 9 years ago – but I believed in myself, I knew what I had already accomplished before leaving college, and the naysayers fueled my drive.
This ties in with my living indefinitely post, too. If you think living indefinitely is impossible and that it sounds like science fiction, check back in with me in 20 to 50 years when stem cells and gene therapy are routinely used to cure most disease.
People tend to be short sided and base their opinions on the now, rather than on the future of what’s possible, but as we accomplish more and more amazing things in this world, I’d hope that the naysayers would step aside and let the visionaries of the world just get it done, whether “it” is a big new idea for your business or a way to prevent death or extend life indefinitely.
Nice insightfull post and very nice quotes also.
I myself belive nothing is impossible as impossible itself says I-M-Possible
If i give example from my life last year i was very ill and was hospitalised for 6 months. It was my last class in High School, In india its called 12th class. My prinicpal said its impossible for you to clear this year please drop out and come back again.
I refused this and she was no one to stop me. I not only completed my High School but also got A grade, all my teachers were spell bound and now am happily in college.
So i 2 feel impossible is nothing
Thanks & Regards
Priyam Malhotra
BTW would suggest you t o use no self pings plugin http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/no-self-ping/
As i saw this post made a ping to longevity post.
PS: Seems my earlier comment which is regarding this post has been blocked my spam catcher plz fix it.
Priyam Malhotra
Great quotes! It is amazing if you think how many things that were science fiction 10-20 years ago alone are now used by nearly everyone on a daily basis.
Yeah that is amazing. What makes something amazing vs. normal is the speed at which the change occurs, and we’re seeing breakthroughs happen very quickly now and in fact they’re accelerating exponentially.
As mentioned in the documentary movie, “The Secret”,
“Whatever you think is the perfect reflection of what is going to happen”
I don’t remember the exact quote, but it’s somehow like this only.
Nice Post!
-SpyBuster
I’ve also had people tell me that such and such can’t be done. And it’s quite satisfying having done it in spite of what others say.
The same thing!
So many people stop me when I am going to do smth crazy from their sight. And the best thing – when they are looking at me with open moths (when I did everything I wanted))))
These are some great quotes. If anything, it should compel us to believe we can achieve anything. The naysayers should have no place in our lives. They see scarcity. But there really is opportunity all around us.
I totally agree with you. One just needs to keep his eyes open and think Out Of The Box…
Those quotes are brilliant.
Is there a single location where you found those?
If there isn’t a single location, someone should create one and build it up. Those quotes really demonstrate how “thinking outside the box” can change the world.
i like thinking outside the bun… lol Taco Bell…
Good post and I like the quotes. And I do feel that scientific research is something that can change the world. And as far as people saying that you cannot do something, well you decide your destiny, not them. That is what I always live by.
Good point. I’d hate to feel lime Neo in The Matrix. We all decide our own destiny.
Hi,
This really hit home with me. I’ve read a lot about the things you mentioned about the airplane and everything people said were impossible. I’m always thinking of little things I’d like to have, but my family always says that it’s impossible. I guess that’s what motivates me. It makes me say “watch me” and then they step aside. Nothing can be done if you don’t “start”.
Apparently the Charles Duell quote was misattributed:
http://www.quotationspage.com/quote/22779.html
Given history, it’s foolish to make any limiting statements about what technology can do anymore, else you will eventually be proven wrong.
Here are 101 Great Computer Programming Quotes:
http://www.devtopics.com/101-great-computer-programming-quotes/
And 101 more:
http://www.devtopics.com/101-more-great-computer-quotes/
haha nice… really makes you look at things twice doesn’t it , don’t judge
i agree
Its pretty funny seeing those comments in the present day