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Business Quote by Haruki Murakami

“[One other thing I learned from working in a company was that] the majority of people in the world have no problem following orders. They're actually happy to be told what to do. They might complain, but that's not how they really feel. They just grumble out of habit. If you told them to think of…” quote by Haruki Murakami
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““[One other thing I learned from working in a company was that] the majority of people in the world have no problem following orders. They're actually happy to be told what to do. They might complain, but that's not how they really feel. They just grumble out of habit. If you told them to think of themselves, and make their own decisions and take responsibility for them, they'd be clueless.””

Haruki Murakami

About This Quote

Source Interview: Author Talk, 2005

Most people comfortably follow orders and resist self‑direction, often out of habit rather than true desire.

In simple terms: People like being told what to do, not thinking for themselves.

Key Takeaway

Encourage autonomy and responsibility.

Themes

psychology leadership behavior

Mood

analytical critical

Type

motivational psychological

When to use this quote

  • management
  • education
  • team building

Key Concepts

conformity agency habit

Questions to Reflect On

  • Why do we default to following orders?
  • How can we foster independent thinking?
A Different Perspective

Individuals may resist when forced to decide.

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