We read so very often about how much and how fast things are changing. I certainly can’t disagree with that fact because I write about it on our blog, and it’s a big part of our training and keynote material.
However, there’s a flip side to this constant focus on change because there are so many facets of our life that never seem to change and probably never will. Read the following statements, and I’m certain you’ll agree with the majority of the content. In fact, you’ll probably recognize it immediately. What may very well surprise you is WHO said it and WHEN it was said! Take a look!
“What’s happening to our young people today? They disrespect their elders. They disobey their parents. They ignore the law. They riot in the streets inflamed with wild notions. What is to become of them?”
~ Plato, 427-347 B.C.
“Nothing worth doing was ever done on time or under budget.”
~ Khufu, Egyptian Pharaoh, 2560 B.C., on building the Great Pyramid
“Nothing is more unpredictable than the mob, nothing more obscure than public opinion, and nothing more deceptive than the whole political system.”
~ Cicero, 106-43 B.C.
“The young people of today think of nothing but themselves. They have no reverence for parents or old age. They are impatient of all restraint. They talk as if they knew everything, and what passes for wisdom with us is foolishness with them. As for the girls, they are forward, immodest, and unladylike in speech, behavior, and dress.
~ Peter the Hermit, 1050-1115 A.D.
Realizing the fact that “some things simply never change” may very well help us deal with those things that seem to change constantly. Apply both theories to challenges such as customer service, product development, marketing, advertising, employee development, etc.
About Harry K. Jones
Harry K. Jones is a motivational speaker and consultant for AchieveMax®, Inc., a company of professional speakers who provide custom-designed seminars, keynote presentations, and consulting services. Harry's top requested topics include change management, customer service, creativity, employee retention, goal setting, leadership, stress management, teamwork, and time management. For more information on Harry's presentations, please call 800-886-2629 or fill out our contact form.