Six Afterthoughts From Logan Pearsall Smith For Entrepreneurs

Logan Pearsall Smith wrote “Afterthoughts” in 1931 but I find his aphorisms timeless.  I selected these six as good advice or perspective for entrepreneurs:

Six Afterthoughts From Logan Pearsall Smith For Entrepreneurs

All quotes by Logan Pearsall Smith in “Afterthoughts”

1. “The future looms a dark fog before us;  but through it we see the dark eyes of Posterity gazing at us coldly”
   They will judge us by our results and not our intentions.
2. “There are two things to aim at in life: first, to get what you want; and, after that,  to enjoy it.
   Only the wisest of mankind achieve the second.”
   Another approach is to enjoy what you have.
3. “Solvency is entirely a matter of temperament.”
   Temperament that enables self-disciplines and habits that foster thrift and industry.
4. “Only those who get into scrapes with their eyes open can find the safe way out.”
   Understand the fight you are picking.
5. “Charming people live up to the very edge of their charm, and behave as outrageously as the world will let them.”
   There comes a time when you are no longer the prettiest girl in the room, or the smartest boy, when being a “young man of promise” has worn out it’s welcome. It’s better to cultivate deeper talents when your surface appearance or first impression is no longer sufficient to earn a place on the team.
6. “The test of a vocation is a love of the drudgery it involves.”
   Rehearsal and deliberate practice where you assess your real impact are critical elements of entrepreneurial success.

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