Air Quote by Orson Scott Card
“Like running the hurdles. Work so hard, jump over every one, fast, high enough but no higher, because you can't afford to hang in the air. And then, when the race is over, you're dripping with sweat, either they beat you or you beat them ... and then a couple of guys come out and move the hurdles out of the way. Turns out they were nothing. All that work to jump over them, but now they're gone.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Keynote at Writers Conference, 2008
Obstacles seem critical while racing, but after the effort they may be irrelevant.
In simple terms: Hurdles may be temporary.
Key Takeaway
Focus on the race, not the hurdles.
Themes
perseverance
illusion
achievement
Mood
thoughtful
motivational
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- sports
- career challenges
- personal growth
- project management
Key Concepts
psychology
goal setting
Questions to Reflect On
- What hurdles are you chasing?
- Do you waste effort on imagined obstacles?
A Different Perspective
Not all perceived barriers persist.
![“Just between you and me, shouldn’t the World Bank be encouraging MORE migration of the dirty industries to the LDCs [Less Developed Countries]?... I think the economic logic behind dumping a load of toxic waste in the lowest wage country is impeccable and we should face up to that... I’ve always…” quote by Lawrence Summers](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/ac4/lawrence-summers-16940_air_just-between-you-and-me-shouldn-t-the-wo_4703.jpg)
![“[A]s you partake of the world's bill of fare, that's darned good advice to follow. Do a lot of spitting out the hot air. And be careful what you swallow.” quote by Dr. Seuss](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/da8/dr-seuss-1224_advice_a-s-you-partake-of-the-world-s-bill-of-f_6806.jpg)