--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: There are moments in our lives when we…" description: "\"There are moments in our lives when we summon the courage to make choices that go against reason, against common sense and the wise counsel of people w..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/3d2/howard-schultz-1317_action_there-are-moments-in-our-lives-when-we-s_2889610.jpg" --- # There are moments in our lives when we summon the courage… ![“There are moments in our lives when we summon the courage to make choices that go against reason, against common sense and the wise counsel of people we trust. But we lean forward nonetheless because, despite all risks and rational argument, we believe that the path we are choosing is right and…” quote by Howard Schultz](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/3d2/howard-schultz-1317_action_there-are-moments-in-our-lives-when-we-s_2889610.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/3d2/howard-schultz-1317_action_there-are-moments-in-our-lives-when-we-s_2889610.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/3d2/howard-schultz-1317_action_there-are-moments-in-our-lives-when-we-s_2889610.jpg) > “There are moments in our lives when we summon the courage to make choices that go against reason, against common sense and the wise counsel of people we trust. But we lean forward nonetheless because, despite all risks and rational argument, we believe that the path we are choosing is right and best thing to do. We refuse to be bystanders, even if we do not know exactly where our actions will lead.” [Howard Schultz](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/howard-schultz/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. People often act against logic, driven by conviction and the desire to act, not observe. **In simple terms:** Acting on belief despite risks. Key Takeaway Trust your instincts when reason stalls. Themes courage decision‑making risk Mood reflective determined Type motivational philosophical When to use this quote - entrepreneurship - activism - personal crises - team leadership Key Concepts Moral conviction psychology of action Questions to Reflect On - When have you acted against advice? - What fuels your willingness to risk? A Different Perspective Overconfidence can lead to poor outcomes. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Action](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/action/) [Argument](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/argument/) [Bystanders](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/bystanders/) [Choices](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/choices/) [Common sense](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/common-sense/) [Courage](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/courage/) [Moments](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/moments/) [Moments in our lives](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/moments-in-our-lives/) [Path](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/path/) [People](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/people/) [Reason](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/reason/) [Risk](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/risk/) [Time](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/time/) [Wise](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/wise/) [Wise counsel](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/wise-counsel/) ## Related quotes > [“There are moments in our lives when we summon the courage to make choices that go against reason, against common sense and the wise…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/howard-schultz/there-are-moments-in-our-lives-when-we-summon-the-courage-to-make-2/) [Howard Schultz](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/howard-schultz/) > [“There are moments in our lives when we summon the courage to make choices that go against reason, against common sense and the wise…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/howard-schultz/there-are-moments-in-our-lives-when-we-summon-the-courage-to-make/) [Howard Schultz](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/howard-schultz/) > [“I chose the hardest path and I am choosing the easiest right path. I am choosing nothing, and , for once, nothing is exactly right.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/kiersten-white/i-chose-the-hardest-path-and-i-am-choosing-the-easiest-right-path-i/) [Kiersten White](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/kiersten-white/) > [“Every journey starts with the first step, and the first step down the Dark path is choosing self over sacrifice.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/c-l-wilson/every-journey-starts-with-the-first-step-and-the-first-step-down-the/) [C.L. Wilson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/c-l-wilson/) > [When you choose a managerial path, you are choosing to devote your life to people. Period.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/tom-peters/when-you-choose-a-managerial-path-you-are-choosing-to-devote-your/) [Tom Peters](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/tom-peters/) > [Freedom involves a knowledge of choices. This alone is reason enough to get an education.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/bill-lemley/freedom-involves-a-knowledge-of-choices-this-alone-is-reason-enough/) Bill Lemley > [I am learning that if I just go on accepting the framework for life that others have given me, if I fail to make…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/liv-ullmann/i-am-learning-that-if-i-just-go-on-accepting-the-framework-for-life/) [Liv Ullmann](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/liv-ullmann/) > [Don't settle! Embrace a dream--and keep dreaming. Don't be a bystander. Take it personally.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/howard-schultz/don-t-settle-embrace-a-dream-and-keep-dreaming-don-t-be-a-bystander/) [Howard Schultz](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/howard-schultz/) > [Business leaders cannot be bystanders.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/howard-schultz/business-leaders-cannot-be-bystanders/) [Howard Schultz](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/howard-schultz/) > [I could've just walked away but I never could have forgiven myself to allow Starbucks to drift into mediocrity or not be relevant. I…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/howard-schultz/i-could-ve-just-walked-away-but-i-never-could-have-forgiven-myself-to/) [Howard Schultz](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/howard-schultz/) > [Some lean back. But those who lean forward are poised to cross the finish-line, first!](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/t-f-hodge/some-lean-back-but-those-who-lean-forward-are-poised-to-cross-the/) [T.F. Hodge](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/t-f-hodge/) > [“Lean forward into your life. Begin each day as if it were on purpose.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mary-anne-radmacher/lean-forward-into-your-life-begin-each-day-as-if-it-were-on-purpose/) [Mary Anne Radmacher](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mary-anne-radmacher/) > [When there's an authentic mystery, as opposed to just a question being asked, that's what makes you lean forward.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/j-j-abrams/when-there-s-an-authentic-mystery-as-opposed-to-just-a-question-being/) [J. J. Abrams](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/j-j-abrams/) > [“you leave the cage, the transition into the jungle will definitely be challenging. You take a few steps forward and a few back. You…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/t-d-jakes-2/you-leave-the-cage-the-transition-into-the-jungle-will-definitely-be/) [T.D. Jakes](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/t-d-jakes-2/) > [Slouching or leaning back may send the wrong signals. When you sit down for a formal interview, lean forward to show interest and active…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/kathryn-minshew/slouching-or-leaning-back-may-send-the-wrong-signals-when-you-sit/) [Kathryn Minshew](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/kathryn-minshew/) ## More by Howard Schultz > [For Starbucks, there will be no shortage of the highest-quality arabica beans. I suspect that for some others there could potentially be a problem,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/howard-schultz/for-starbucks-there-will-be-no-shortage-of-the-highest-quality/) [Howard Schultz](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/howard-schultz/) > [If it Captures Your Imagination, it will captivate others.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/howard-schultz/if-it-captures-your-imagination-it-will-captivate-others/) [Howard Schultz](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/howard-schultz/) > [If you look at coffee, tea, food and juice, we think there are inherent opportunities. If you look at health bars or grab-and-go products…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/howard-schultz/if-you-look-at-coffee-tea-food-and-juice-we-think-there-are-inherent/) [Howard Schultz](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/howard-schultz/) > [The success of the Starbucks has been based on this balance between profitability and a social conscience. Everywhere we're doing business, were trying to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/howard-schultz/the-success-of-the-starbucks-has-been-based-on-this-balance-between/) [Howard Schultz](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/howard-schultz/) > [Companies should not have a singular view of profitability. There needs to be a balance between commerce and social responsibility... The companies that are…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/howard-schultz/companies-should-not-have-a-singular-view-of-profitability-there/) [Howard Schultz](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/howard-schultz/) > [Success is best when its shared](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/howard-schultz/success-is-best-when-its-shared/) [Howard Schultz](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/howard-schultz/) > [While their service is ending, our responsibility is just beginning!](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/howard-schultz/while-their-service-is-ending-our-responsibility-is-just-beginning/) [Howard Schultz](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/howard-schultz/) > [“Living in the same city as Microsoft, I’m only too aware that, even in low-technology businesses like coffee, the Next Big Thing could knock…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/howard-schultz/living-in-the-same-city-as-microsoft-i-m-only-too-aware-that-even-in/) [Howard Schultz](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/howard-schultz/) > [We have a big opportunity in China. We think the number of stores here can rival the number in North America.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/howard-schultz/we-have-a-big-opportunity-in-china-we-think-the-number-of-stores-here/) [Howard Schultz](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/howard-schultz/) > [Starbucks is not an advertiser; people think we are a great marketing company, but in fact we spend very little money on marketing and…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/howard-schultz/starbucks-is-not-an-advertiser-people-think-we-are-a-great-marketing/) [Howard Schultz](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/howard-schultz/) > [We woke up one day, and all the sudden Starbucks was in the middle of this political crossfire between the people who want to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/howard-schultz/we-woke-up-one-day-and-all-the-sudden-starbucks-was-in-the-middle-of/) [Howard Schultz](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/howard-schultz/) > [I'm in a different position than most CEO's. I'm a founder. I'm not a hired CEO. Now, I can be fired by the board,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/howard-schultz/i-m-in-a-different-position-than-most-ceo-s-i-m-a-founder-i-m-not-a/) [Howard Schultz](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/howard-schultz/) > [Profitability is a shallow goal if it doesn't have a real purpose, and the purpose has to be share the profits with others.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/howard-schultz/profitability-is-a-shallow-goal-if-it-doesn-t-have-a-real-purpose-and/) [Howard Schultz](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/howard-schultz/) > [And with the right mentor, don't be afraid to expose your vulnerabilities. Admit you don't know what you don't know. When you acknowledge your…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/howard-schultz/and-with-the-right-mentor-don-t-be-afraid-to-expose-your/) [Howard Schultz](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/howard-schultz/) > [People in Washington need to put their feet in the shoes of working Americans.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/howard-schultz/people-in-washington-need-to-put-their-feet-in-the-shoes-of-working/) [Howard Schultz](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/howard-schultz/) [Explore all 252 Howard Schultz quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/howard-schultz/) ## More Action quotes > [I always say there are two things to be successful. The first is decide exactly what you want - set your goals - and…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/brian-tracy/i-always-say-there-are-two-things-to-be-successful-the-first-is/) [Brian Tracy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/brian-tracy/) > [You'd be surprised how hard it can often be to translate an action into an idea.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/karl-kraus/you-d-be-surprised-how-hard-it-can-often-be-to-translate-an-action/) [Karl Kraus](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/karl-kraus/) > [Gratitude isn't just a feeling, it's an action. Expressing gratitude by writing in a journal, taking a photo, or shooting a video creates a…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/janice-kaplan/gratitude-isn-t-just-a-feeling-it-s-an-action-expressing-gratitude-by/) [Janice Kaplan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/janice-kaplan/) > [Nothing is so powerful as an insight into human nature... what compulsions drive a man, what instincts dominate his action. If you know these…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/william-bernbach/nothing-is-so-powerful-as-an-insight-into-human-nature-what/) [William Bernbach](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/william-bernbach/) > [Every thought I have imprisioned in expression I must free by my deeds](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/kahlil-gibran/every-thought-i-have-imprisioned-in-expression-i-must-free-by-my-deeds/) [Kahlil Gibran](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/kahlil-gibran/) > [It took me 20 years to buy an electric typewriter, because I was afraid it would be too sensitive. I like to bang the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/elmore-leonard/it-took-me-20-years-to-buy-an-electric-typewriter-because-i-was/) [Elmore Leonard](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/elmore-leonard/) > [Every action that helps us manifest our divine nature more and more is good; every action that retards it is evil.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/swami-vivekananda/every-action-that-helps-us-manifest-our-divine-nature-more-and-more/) [Swami Vivekananda](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/swami-vivekananda/) > [As you begin changing your thinking, start immediately to change your behaviour. Begin to act the part of the person you would like to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/as-you-begin-changing-your-thinking-start-immediately-to-change-your/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [It's easy to say, let's go in and get the bad guys. But you have a divided country of Sunnis and Shias. The United…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/tulsi-gabbard/it-s-easy-to-say-let-s-go-in-and-get-the-bad-guys-but-you-have-a/) [Tulsi Gabbard](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/tulsi-gabbard/) > [For comedy action, I must know the language.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sammo-hung/for-comedy-action-i-must-know-the-language/) [Sammo Hung](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sammo-hung/) > [Believing with you that religion is a matter which lies solely between man and his God, that he owes account to none other for…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-jefferson/believing-with-you-that-religion-is-a-matter-which-lies-solely/) [Thomas Jefferson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-jefferson/) > [“Action is a powerful thing. When you smile through your sadness, it can completely change your outlook. Try it! Smile :) Now hold onto…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/leticia-rae/action-is-a-powerful-thing-when-you-smile-through-your-sadness-it-can/) [Leticia Rae](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/leticia-rae/) > [I reject criticism because the last thing I wanted was to sit there and look at people talking. I think people are conditioned to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/matt-tyrnauer/i-reject-criticism-because-the-last-thing-i-wanted-was-to-sit-there/) [Matt Tyrnauer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/matt-tyrnauer/) > [“I take my actions because of my passion not because of compulsion.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/amit-kalantri/i-take-my-actions-because-of-my-passion-not-because-of-compulsion/) [Amit Kalantri](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/amit-kalantri/) > [When the first Superman movie came out I was frequently asked "What is a hero?" ...My answer was that a hero is someone who…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/christopher-reeve/when-the-first-superman-movie-came-out-i-was-frequently-asked-what-is/) [Christopher Reeve](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/christopher-reeve/) [Browse all 14,940 Action quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/action/) ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "There are moments in our lives when we summon the courage to make choices that go against reason, against common sense and the wise counsel of people we trust. 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