Big things Quote by John Cleese
“Because, as we all know, it’s easier to do trivial things that are urgent than it is to do important things that are not urgent, like thinking. And it’s also easier to do little things we know we can do than to start on big things that we’re not so sure about.”
About This Quote
Source Comedy Sketch, 1970s, Television
Highlights tendency to prioritize urgent trivial tasks over important non‑urgent ones like thinking.
In simple terms: Urgent tasks crowd out important reflective work.
Key Takeaway
Schedule time for strategic thinking.
Themes
productivity
prioritization
psychology
Mood
reflective
humorous
Type
self‑help
observation
When to use this quote
- personal planning
- team meetings
Key Concepts
time management
cognitive bias
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you differentiate urgency?
- What habits foster deep work?
A Different Perspective
Not all urgent tasks are trivial; balance is needed.
