Better Quote by Aaron Swartz
““I think deeply about things and want others to do likewise. I work for ideas and learn from people. I don’t like excluding people. I’m a perfectionist, but I won’t let that get in the way of publication. Except for education and entertainment, I’m not going to waste my time on things that won’t have an impact. I try to be friends with everyone, but I hate it when you don’t take me seriously. I don’t hold grudges, it’s not productive, but I learn from my experience. I want to make the world a better place.””
About This Quote
Source Interview: Talk at MIT, 2013
He emphasizes deep thinking, collaboration, and focusing effort on impactful work while avoiding grudges and exclusion.
In simple terms: Think deeply, collaborate, focus on impact, avoid grudges.
Key Takeaway
Prioritize meaningful, collaborative work.
Themes
collaboration
impact
perfectionism
learning
friendship
Mood
determined
reflective
optimistic
Type
philosophical
motivational
inspirational
When to use this quote
- software development
- activism
- education
- community building
- public policy
Key Concepts
open source
activism
ethics
productivity
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you decide what work is truly impactful?
- How can you stay serious while being friendly?
A Different Perspective
Perfectionism may delay publishing; balancing idealism with practicality can be hard.
