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Most organisations, when they would dream of the…

“Most organisations, when they would dream of the exaltations of the present, roll their eyes backward. The International Business Machines Corporation has beheld no past so golden as the present. The face of Providence is shining upon it, and clouds are parted to make way for it. Marching onward…” quote by James Essinger
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““Most organisations, when they would dream of the exaltations of the present, roll their eyes backward. The International Business Machines Corporation has beheld no past so golden as the present. The face of Providence is shining upon it, and clouds are parted to make way for it. Marching onward as to war, it has skirted the slough of depression and averted the quicksands of false booms. Save for a few lulls that may be described as breathing spells, its growth has been strong and steady. From a report in Fortune magazine, 1940””

James Essinger

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

The passage praises IBM’s present success, viewing it as a golden era, while acknowledging occasional slow periods.

In simple terms: IBM is thriving now, despite occasional lulls.

Key Takeaway

Recognize and sustain momentum.

Themes

business optimism growth

Mood

optimistic analytical

Type

historical business.

When to use this quote

  • strategic planning
  • market analysis
  • investment decisions

Key Concepts

economic cycles corporate resilience

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can firms maintain growth?
  • What risks lie behind optimism?
A Different Perspective

Success can be fleeting; vigilance needed.

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