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Business Quote by Ben Horowitz

“Every time you make the hard, correct decision you become a bit more courageous, and every time you make the easy, wrong decision you become a bit more cowardly. If you are CEO, these choices will lead to a courageous or cowardly company.” quote by Ben Horowitz
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“Every time you make the hard, correct decision you become a bit more courageous, and every time you make the easy, wrong decision you become a bit more cowardly. If you are CEO, these choices will lead to a courageous or cowardly company.”

Ben Horowitz

About This Quote

Source Book: The Hard Thing About Hard Things by Ben Horowitz, 2014

Making difficult but right choices builds personal courage; easy wrong choices erode it, shaping both leader and organization.

In simple terms: Hard choices build courage; easy wrong choices create cowardice.

Key Takeaway

Choose the hard right thing.

Themes

leadership ethics personal growth

Mood

determined reflective

Type

advice motivational

When to use this quote

  • CEO decisions
  • team management
  • strategic planning
  • personal development

Key Concepts

courage cowardice decision making

Questions to Reflect On

  • What hard decision are you avoiding?
  • How does personal courage affect company culture?
A Different Perspective

Choosing the easy wrong path may seem safer but harms long‑term integrity.

2.5 out of 5 (10 ratings)

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