Arthur Hailey Quotes

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"The world is full of 'nearlys' - nearly perfect, nearly ideal, nearly correct. But it is the completely achieved that count."

Arthur Hailey's quote emphasizes that while the world is often filled with things that are almost perfect, ideal, or correct, what truly matters are the accomplishments that are fully realized and completed. In other words, it's not just about striving for perfection but actually achieving it that holds significant value.

"All organizations have an ultimate boss, and his name is Time."

This quote by Arthur Hailey emphasizes the inescapable nature of time's influence over all organizations. It suggests that every organization operates within a given time frame and must adapt to its constraints, pressures, and opportunities. Ultimately, an organization's success or failure is determined by how effectively it manages its relationship with time – meeting deadlines, making efficient use of resources, and remaining responsive to changing circumstances. The passage of time acts as the ultimate judge of an organization's performance and effectiveness, hence serving as a relentless "boss" that neither negotiates nor forgives delay or inefficiency.

"In the world of business, the future remains proportionate to what we put into it."

This quote emphasizes that in the realm of business, outcomes are directly tied to the effort and resources invested. It suggests that for a favorable or successful future in business, one must actively contribute their time, knowledge, and capital. The more energy and resources poured into it, the greater the potential for positive results. In other words, hard work and smart investment pave the way for success in the world of business.

"Money is the barometer of a society's virtue; when you see that trading is done, not by consent, but under compulsion, when the property which every man has in his labor as well as his goods, is violated by being swallowed up in an uncertain debt; when the security for that debt is taken from the buyer, and given to the seller; when the property which a man has in the fruit of his own labor, the product of his skill, care, and judgment, is snatched unjustly out of his hands; when he is robbed by violence of his own residence; forced by terrorized by legal-sanctioned coercion to abandon his home, or kept in a state all but slaves by a fictitious debt; when these things are done, the system is rent with the gnawings of an ever increasing innate and just resentment, which will sooner or later explode in violent and bloody strife."

Arthur Hailey's quote suggests that when a society's economic structure becomes unjust and coercive, it leads to widespread discontent and eventual social upheaval. In this context, he argues that the fair value of labor and property is violated through debt, where the power dynamics are skewed in favor of creditors, forcing debtors into precarious positions. This inequality, if left unchecked, breeds resentment that ultimately erupts in conflict or revolution. Essentially, Hailey warns that a society's virtue and stability are threatened when economic systems exploit the weak and disregard individual rights.

"The most successful people in any organization are those who learn to work for the organization rather than for themselves."

This quote by Arthur Hailey emphasizes that the key to success within an organization lies not in personal self-interest, but in dedicating oneself to the collective goals of the organization. By working for the benefit of the organization as a whole, individuals can achieve greater success because they align their efforts with the larger mission and vision. This mindset fosters a culture of cooperation, collaboration, and mutual growth, ultimately leading to the prosperity of both the individual and the organization.