Business Quote by John C. Bogle
““As I have earlier noted, the most important things in life and in business can’t be measured. The trite bromide 'If you can measure it, you can manage it' has been a hindrance in the building a great real-world organization, just as it has been a hindrance in evaluating the real-world economy. It is character, not numbers, that make the world go ‘round. How can we possibly measure the qualities of human existence that give our lives and careers meaning? How about grace, kindness, and integrity? What value do we put on passion, devotion, and trust? How much do cheerfulness, the lilt of a human voice, and a touch of pride add to our lives? Tell me, please, if you can, how to value friendship, cooperation, dedication, and spirit. Categorically, the firm that ignores the intangible qualities that the human beings who are our colleagues bring to their careers will never build a great workforce or a great organization.””
About This Quote
Source Essay: “The Intangible Edge” by John C. Bogle, 2014
True success relies on character and intangible qualities, which cannot be quantified but are essential for meaningful work and relationships.
In simple terms: Character matters more than metrics.
Key Takeaway
Cultivate character over measurable outcomes.
Themes
values
leadership
humanity
Mood
motivational
reflective
Type
business
philosophical
When to use this quote
- business strategy
- team building
- personal development
- performance reviews
Key Concepts
organizational behavior
ethics
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you assess intangible qualities in hiring?
- What practices nurture trust and kindness?
A Different Perspective
Metrics still drive many decisions.
![“[S]ometimes, when you are a food person, the possible irrelevance of what you are doing doesn’t cross your mind until it’s too late. (Once, for example, when I was just starting out in the food business, I was hired by the caper people to develop a lot of recipes using capers, and it was weeks of…” quote by Nora Ephron](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/d79/nora-ephron-1217_business_s-ometimes-when-you-are-a-food-person-th_980.jpg)
![“If the State does not acquire supremacy over [vast private] enterprises, it becomes their puppet, and they become the real State.” quote by Bertrand Russell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/bad/bertrand-russell-69_acquire_if-the-state-does-not-acquire-supremacy_1379.jpg)
