Firsts Quote by Aristotle
“In a race, the quickest runner can never overtake the slowest, since the pursuer must first reach the point whence the pursued started, so that the slower must always hold a lead.”
About This Quote
Source Treat: Physics by Aristotle, 4th century BC
The fastest runner can never overtake the slowest because the pursuer must first reach the starting point, so the slower always stays ahead.
In simple terms: Fastest cannot overtake slowest without first reaching start.
Key Takeaway
Recognize that initial positions affect outcomes.
Themes
competition
relativity
strategy
Mood
analytical
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
observational
When to use this quote
- sports races
- traffic flow
- project management timelines
- market competition
Key Concepts
physics
relative motion
causality
Questions to Reflect On
- What assumptions about motion are you making?
- How does initial advantage influence competition?
A Different Perspective
If the slower runner stops, the faster can overtake, showing the rule depends on continuous motion.
![“The second [argument about motion] is the so-called Achilles, and it amounts to this, that in a race the quickest runner can never overtake the slowest, since the pursuer must first reach the point whence the pursued started, so that the slower must always hold a lead. Statement of the Achilles…” quote by Zeno of Elea](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/814/zeno-of-elea-51778_achilles_the-second-argument-about-motion-is-the_1792000.jpg)
![“Since I worked with Danny Boyle before on Slumdog Millionaire, we have great success and everything. So, when I first got the script and the screenplay of Simon (Beaufoy) and I was reading it, even before the shoot, some kind of sounds came into my mind and I put some stuff [down] and sent it to…” quote by A. R. Rahman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/573/a-r-rahman-4481_cutting_since-i-worked-with-danny-boyle-before-o_539.jpg)
