Safe Choice Quote by Ed Catmull
““Even though copying what’s come before is a guaranteed path to mediocrity, it appears to be a safe choice, and the desire to be safe—to succeed with minimal risk—can infect not just individuals but also entire companies.””
About This Quote
Source Interview: Pixar leadership talk, 2012
Playing it safe leads to mediocrity; risk‑taking drives innovation.
In simple terms: Avoid safe choices.
Embrace calculated risk for growth.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- product design
- startup culture
- artistic projects
- team management
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- What risks could you take today?
- How do you balance safety and innovation?
Risk can cause costly failures.