Business Quote by Peter Drucker
“The next thing to be said about what long-range planning is not, is that it does not deal with future decisions. It deals with the futurity of present decisions. Decisions exist only in the present. The question that faces the long-range planner is not what we should do tomorrow.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Effective Executive, Peter Drucker, 1966
Long‑range planning focuses on how current choices shape future outcomes, not on predicting specific future actions.
In simple terms: Planning looks at present decisions' future impact.
Key Takeaway
Consider the future effects of today’s choices.
Themes
strategy
planning
future
decision‑making
Mood
thoughtful
analytical
Type
advisory
strategic
When to use this quote
- business strategy
- personal goal setting
- policy development
Key Concepts
systems thinking
foresight
temporal analysis
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you evaluate the long‑term impact of a current decision?
- What tools help you map present choices to future scenarios?
A Different Perspective
It can be hard to foresee all variables influencing future outcomes.
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![“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)