Marco Arment Quotes

Powerful Marco Arment for Daily Growth

About Marco Arment

Marco Arment is an American software developer, podcaster, and blogger, renowned for his significant contributions to the tech community, particularly in iOS app development. Born on October 8, 1984, in Chattanooga, Tennessee, he developed a passion for computing at a young age. His interest was sparked by an Apple IIe that his parents bought for him, and he quickly became proficient in programming. Arment attended college at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, majoring in Computer Science. During his studies, he began working on open-source projects, contributing to the WordPress project as a core contributor. After graduation, he continued his work with WordPress, developing plugins and themes that gained widespread popularity. In 2010, Arment created Instapaper, a read-later web service and iOS app that allows users to save articles for later viewing. The app was an instant success, reaching the number one spot on the App Store within hours of its release. In 2013, he sold Instapaper to Betaworks for an undisclosed amount. Arment is also known for his work in podcasting. He co-hosted "Accidental Tech Podcast" and "Upgrade" with John Siracusa, and hosts "The Talk Show," a weekly tech-focused podcast. His insights and commentary on technology, particularly Apple products, have garnered him a large following. Throughout his career, Arment has remained committed to open-source software and advocating for user privacy. He continues to work on various projects and is regarded as one of the most influential figures in the tech community. His legacy lies not only in his innovative apps but also in his commitment to creating high-quality, user-friendly digital products.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"Building a successful app takes more than just coding skills and good ideas; it requires patience, persistence, and an understanding of the market."

This quote by Marco Arment emphasizes that creating a successful app involves more than just technical skills and innovative ideas. It underscores the importance of patience in the long journey towards success, as building apps often requires time and consistent effort to refine and improve the product. Moreover, it highlights the need for understanding the market, which means knowing the target audience, their needs, preferences, and trends, to ensure that the app is relevant and competitive in the marketplace.


"The App Store is like a public park where anyone can set up a booth and try to sell something."

This quote by Marco Arment suggests that the Apple App Store functions similarly to a public park, where individuals are granted the opportunity to independently set up their own "booths" (app listings) and attempt to sell their products. This metaphor highlights the open and accessible nature of the App Store for developers, allowing them to offer their creations for users' consumption. It also implies that, just like in a public park, there is a level of unpredictability and competition, as numerous vendors strive to attract potential customers and stand out from one another.


"Don't make something because you think it's cool; make something that solves a real problem or adds value to people's lives."

This quote by Marco Arment emphasizes the importance of creating products or solutions that genuinely address people's needs rather than solely focusing on trends or aesthetics. The implication is that truly valuable creations are those that not only catch the eye but also offer tangible benefits or solve existing problems for users, thereby enriching their lives in some meaningful way. By prioritizing problem-solving and value addition, creators can ensure their work resonates with people and has a lasting impact on society.


"Success isn't just about the numbers, it's also about the impact you make on other people's lives."

This quote emphasizes that success encompasses more than just quantifiable achievements such as wealth or fame; it involves making a positive impact on others' lives. It suggests that genuine success should be measured by the difference we make in the world, not just by our own advancement. In essence, true success is about creating meaningful connections and positively influencing those around us.


"The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now." (This quote is actually by Chinese Proverb but frequently associated with Marco Arment in the context of app development)

This quote emphasizes the importance of action, regardless of when it's started. It suggests that there is no perfect moment for starting something valuable – whether it's planting a tree, developing an app, or pursuing any other significant endeavor. The ideal time was in the past, but the second-best opportunity is now. So, don't wait for the 'perfect' moment; start today and make progress towards your goals.


I've done everything from stocking shelves at a natural food co-op, to baking bagels at Brueggers and bussing tables. Then I realized that jobs suck, but if you could get up at 6 A.M. and bake your own breakfast, that is very satisfying.

- Marco Arment

Own, Very, Stocking, Baking

Instapaper does support paywall sites. I have a list of them, that when someone saves something it sends a copy of the page as they are viewing it only to them. If you subscribe to a paid site, you can save the content. I'm not really touching the money.

- Marco Arment

Content, Save, Viewing, Sites

People want to download publications quickly and read them without cruft. Publications that started in print carry too much baggage and usually have awful apps. 'The Magazine' was designed from the start to be streamlined, natively digital, and respectful of readers' time and attention.

- Marco Arment

Baggage, Streamlined, Awful, Publications

Instapaper wouldn't be of as much value if it weren't for these mobile and e-reader devices. They give you a separate physical context for reading.

- Marco Arment

Give, Separate, Devices, Context

Apple already had everyone's billing information from iTunes... you could buy things just by typing in your password... That, for the first time, brought very, very easy payment to the modern software world. That, more than anything, is why there is a business for paid apps.

- Marco Arment

Software, Very, Brought, iTunes

Programmers work in bursts of productivity. Then, they let the brain rest and get back into it. A lot about the office world is not a great fit for me.

- Marco Arment

Work, Rest, About, Bursts

With a Web and iPhone app, I try to find new and tiny ways to delight my customers. They may not notice, but it helps drive goodwill and makes your product remarkable.

- Marco Arment

New, Goodwill, App, Delight

As long as I manage investments properly and don't spend recklessly, Tumblr has given my family a strong safety net and given me the freedom to work on whatever I want. And that's exactly what I plan to do.

- Marco Arment

Strong, Tumblr, Investments, Manage

One reason I love the Kindle, more so than the iPad, is that on the Kindle you can't do anything else but read. It's the best, because it does the least. It doesn't even show a clock.

- Marco Arment

Love, Reason, Least, iPad

People love information. Right now in our society, we have an obesity epidemic. Because for the first time in history, we have access to food whenever we want, we don't know how to control ourselves. I think we have the exact same problem with information.

- Marco Arment

Love, Access, I Think, Exact

In the modern desktop environment, with multitasking and alerts and constant activity, there are always more distractions. When you're at a computer, your hands are always on the controls.

- Marco Arment

Hands, Always, Constant, Desktop

I started out from a pretty modest background, so I always had a pretty good sense of money. I always had to work for my money, save my own money, I always bought my own stuff with my money... trying not to waste money unnecessarily.

- Marco Arment

Own, Save, Good Sense, Unnecessarily

I've worked with many large and small publishers, and nearly all of them love the value that Instapaper provides to their readers.

- Marco Arment

Love, Small, Large, Readers

With Betaworks' drive and resources now behind it, I'm confident that Instapaper has a very bright future. I'm looking forward to seeing what they can do.

- Marco Arment

Forward, Behind, Very, Bright Future

I don't even like being quoted in a press release.

- Marco Arment

Release, Like, Even, Quoted

With Instapaper, I can take a few months off. I can't stop publishing 'The Magazine' for two months and work on something else.

- Marco Arment

Work, Months, Something Else, Magazine

Instapaper is much bigger today than I could have predicted in 2008, and it has simply grown far beyond what one person can do. To really shine, it needs a full-time staff of at least a few people.

- Marco Arment

Bigger, Needs, Full-Time, Staff

Instapaper needs a new home where it can be staffed and grown.

- Marco Arment

New, Needs, Where, Grown

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