--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: It's not enough to have values without…" description: "\"It's not enough to have values without vision ; you want to be good, but you want to be good for something. On the other hand, vision without values ca..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ba1/stephen-covey-339_be-good_it-s-not-enough-to-have-values-without-v_2049953.jpg" --- # It's not enough to have values without vision ; you want… ![“It's not enough to have values without vision ; you want to be good, but you want to be good for something. On the other hand, vision without values can create a Hitler . An empowering mission statement deals with both character and competence; what you want to be and what you want to do in your…” quote by Stephen Covey](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ba1/stephen-covey-339_be-good_it-s-not-enough-to-have-values-without-v_2049953.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ba1/stephen-covey-339_be-good_it-s-not-enough-to-have-values-without-v_2049953.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ba1/stephen-covey-339_be-good_it-s-not-enough-to-have-values-without-v_2049953.jpg) > “It's not enough to have values without vision ; you want to be good, but you want to be good for something. On the other hand, vision without values can create a Hitler . An empowering mission statement deals with both character and competence; what you want to be and what you want to do in your life.” [Stephen Covey](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stephen-covey/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Values give direction, but vision gives purpose; both must align to guide meaningful action. **In simple terms:** Values need vision to be effective. Key Takeaway Align character with competence. Themes values vision leadership purpose ethics Mood thoughtful inspirational Type philosophical motivational When to use this quote - career planning - organizational strategy - personal development - nonprofit missions Key Concepts character competence mission alignment Questions to Reflect On - How do your values shape your long‑term goals? - What vision inspires you to act ethically? A Different Perspective Vision without values can lead to harmful ideologies. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Character](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/character/) [Dreams](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/dreams/) [Empowering](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/empowering/) [Goals](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/goals/) [Mission statement](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/mission-statement/) [Missions](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/missions/) [Values](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/values/) [Vision](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/vision/) [What you want](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/what-you-want/) ## Related quotes > [An empowering mission statement has to become a living document, part of our very nature, so that the criteria we've put into it are…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stephen-covey/an-empowering-mission-statement-has-to-become-a-living-document-part/) [Stephen Covey](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stephen-covey/) > [A mission statement is not something you write overnight... But fundamentally, your mission statement becomes your constitution, the solid expression of your vision and…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stephen-covey/a-mission-statement-is-not-something-you-write-overnight-but/) [Stephen Covey](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stephen-covey/) > [My father's values and vision of this country obviously form everything I have as values and ideals. But this is not the ghost of…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/justin-trudeau/my-father-s-values-and-vision-of-this-country-obviously-form/) [Justin Trudeau](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/justin-trudeau/) > [Ive gotten to see up close and personal what being president really looks like. At the end of the day, when it comes time…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/michelle-obama/ive-gotten-to-see-up-close-and-personal-what-being-president-really/) [Michelle Obama](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/michelle-obama/) > [At the end of the day, when it comes time to make that decision, as president, all you have to guide you are your…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/michelle-obama/at-the-end-of-the-day-when-it-comes-time-to-make-that-decision-as/) [Michelle Obama](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/michelle-obama/) > [We need a mutual fund industry with both vision and values; a vision of fiduciary duty and shareholder service, and values rooted in the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-c-bogle/we-need-a-mutual-fund-industry-with-both-vision-and-values-a-vision/) [John C. Bogle](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-c-bogle/) > [You basically get what you reward. If you want to achieve the goals and reflect the values in your mission statement, then you need…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stephen-covey/you-basically-get-what-you-reward-if-you-want-to-achieve-the-goals/) [Stephen Covey](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stephen-covey/) > [If you have a family mission statement that clarifies what your purpose is, then you use that as the criterion by which you make…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stephen-covey/if-you-have-a-family-mission-statement-that-clarifies-what-your/) [Stephen Covey](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stephen-covey/) > [Creating and integrating an empowering personal mission statement is one of the most important investments we can make.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stephen-covey/creating-and-integrating-an-empowering-personal-mission-statement-is/) [Stephen Covey](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stephen-covey/) > [If you don't set your goals based upon your Mission Statement, you may be climbing the ladder of success only to realize, when you…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stephen-covey/if-you-don-t-set-your-goals-based-upon-your-mission-statement-you-may/) [Stephen Covey](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stephen-covey/) > [A personal mission statement becomes the DNA for every other decision we make.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stephen-covey/a-personal-mission-statement-becomes-the-dna-for-every-other-decision/) [Stephen Covey](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stephen-covey/) > [The most effective way I know to begin with the end in mind is to develop a personal mission statement or philosophy or creed.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stephen-covey/the-most-effective-way-i-know-to-begin-with-the-end-in-mind-is-to/) [Stephen Covey](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stephen-covey/) > [“The most successful startups are those that are able to balance the needs of their customers, employees, and investors, while staying true to their…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/justin-ho-guo-shun/the-most-successful-startups-are-those-that-are-able-to-balance-the/) Justin Ho Guo Shun > [My job is to keep my eye on the ball and to stay focused on what can we get done every single day to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/barack-obama/my-job-is-to-keep-my-eye-on-the-ball-and-to-stay-focused-on-what-can/) [Barack Obama](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/barack-obama/) > [If you see culture, to my mind it is something you need to consciously have to create. It's not like a box, where you…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ashok-soota/if-you-see-culture-to-my-mind-it-is-something-you-need-to-consciously/) [Ashok Soota](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ashok-soota/) ## More by Stephen Covey > [You can't have the fruits without the roots. It's the principle of sequencing: Private Victories proceed Public Victories. Self-mastery and self-discipline are the foundation…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stephen-covey/you-can-t-have-the-fruits-without-the-roots-it-s-the-principle-of/) [Stephen Covey](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stephen-covey/) > [Empathic listening takes time, but it doesn't take anywhere near as much time as it takes to back up and correct misunderstandings when you're…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stephen-covey/empathic-listening-takes-time-but-it-doesn-t-take-anywhere-near-as/) [Stephen Covey](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stephen-covey/) > [The fire inside people is like a match; the way to ignite that flame is initially through friction, then other matches are lit through…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stephen-covey/the-fire-inside-people-is-like-a-match-the-way-to-ignite-that-flame/) [Stephen Covey](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stephen-covey/) > [In a very real sense, there are only two roles in organisations: customers and suppliers. Everybody functions simultaneously in both roles, whether inside or…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stephen-covey/in-a-very-real-sense-there-are-only-two-roles-in-organisations/) [Stephen Covey](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stephen-covey/) > [To blame and accuse other people, is to choose to empower them, to control us.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stephen-covey/to-blame-and-accuse-other-people-is-to-choose-to-empower-them-to/) [Stephen Covey](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stephen-covey/) > [Be part of the solution, not part of the problem.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stephen-covey/be-part-of-the-solution-not-part-of-the-problem/) [Stephen Covey](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stephen-covey/) > [If you are an effective manager of your self, your discipline comes from within; it is a function of your independent will.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stephen-covey/if-you-are-an-effective-manager-of-your-self-your-discipline-comes/) [Stephen Covey](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stephen-covey/) > [I believe in Coach Louis Wong. He is so much more than just a football coach.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stephen-covey/i-believe-in-coach-louis-wong-he-is-so-much-more-than-just-a-football/) [Stephen Covey](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stephen-covey/) > [Most people struggle with life balance simply because they haven't paid the price to decide what is really important to them.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stephen-covey/most-people-struggle-with-life-balance-simply-because-they-haven-t/) [Stephen Covey](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stephen-covey/) > [Highly proactive people don't blame circumstances, conditions, or conditioning for their behavior. Their behavior is a product of their own conscious choice.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stephen-covey/highly-proactive-people-don-t-blame-circumstances-conditions-or/) [Stephen Covey](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stephen-covey/) > [When it comes to developing character strength, inner security and unique personal and interpersonal talents and skills in a child, no institution can or…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stephen-covey/when-it-comes-to-developing-character-strength-inner-security-and/) [Stephen Covey](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stephen-covey/) > [Most people define greatness through wealth and popularity and position in the corner office. But what I call everyday greatness comes from character and…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stephen-covey/most-people-define-greatness-through-wealth-and-popularity-and/) [Stephen Covey](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stephen-covey/) > [Contrary to what most people believe, trust is not some soft, illusive quality that you either have or you don't; rather, trust is a…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stephen-covey/contrary-to-what-most-people-believe-trust-is-not-some-soft-illusive/) [Stephen Covey](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stephen-covey/) > [We are limited but we can push back the borders of our limitations](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stephen-covey/we-are-limited-but-we-can-push-back-the-borders-of-our-limitations/) [Stephen Covey](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stephen-covey/) > [Many people seem to think that success in one area can compensate for failure in other areas. But can it really?... True effectiveness requires…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stephen-covey/many-people-seem-to-think-that-success-in-one-area-can-compensate-for/) [Stephen Covey](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stephen-covey/) [Explore all 663 Stephen Covey quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stephen-covey/) ## More Be good quotes > [Passion is what you need to be good, an unforgiving passion.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/david-easton/passion-is-what-you-need-to-be-good-an-unforgiving-passion/) [David Easton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/david-easton/) > [It's like the query letter problem that I just mentioned, magnified a hundredfold. You might be good at telling a story, but that doesn't…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/patrick-rothfuss/it-s-like-the-query-letter-problem-that-i-just-mentioned-magnified-a/) [Patrick Rothfuss](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/patrick-rothfuss/) > [Peace is the result of love, and if love were easy we'd all be good at it.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/colman-mccarthy/peace-is-the-result-of-love-and-if-love-were-easy-we-d-all-be-good-at/) [Colman McCarthy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/colman-mccarthy/) > [Therefore, I see whatever exists as good, death is to me like life, sin like holiness, wisdom like foolishness, everything has to be as…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/hermann-hesse/therefore-i-see-whatever-exists-as-good-death-is-to-me-like-life-sin/) [Hermann Hesse](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/hermann-hesse/) > [Most of us want to live in harmony and peace and be good to others. Right now, however, the world is in a very…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/hany-abu-assad/most-of-us-want-to-live-in-harmony-and-peace-and-be-good-to-others/) [Hany Abu-Assad](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/hany-abu-assad/) > [I've never had any desire to be good. I don't like goodness particularly.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/hanif-kureishi/i-ve-never-had-any-desire-to-be-good-i-don-t-like-goodness/) [Hanif Kureishi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/hanif-kureishi/) > [To become a classical ballerina, you have to move to New York when you're 12 or 11 and that becomes your life. I just…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jennifer-garner/to-become-a-classical-ballerina-you-have-to-move-to-new-york-when-you/) [Jennifer Garner](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jennifer-garner/) > [The producers felt that 24 would be good for the audience, to really get to know who these 12 and 12 are.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/paula-abdul/the-producers-felt-that-24-would-be-good-for-the-audience-to-really/) [Paula Abdul](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/paula-abdul/) > [All will concede that in order to have good neighbors, we must also be good neighbors. That applies in every field of human endeavor.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/harry-s-truman/all-will-concede-that-in-order-to-have-good-neighbors-we-must-also-be/) [Harry S. 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Why do you suppose His world is…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/catherine-marshall/living-in-the-middle-of-beauty-like-this-we-ve-no-call-to-have-puny/) [Catherine Marshall](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/catherine-marshall/) Browse all 1,747 Be good quotes ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "It's not enough to have values without vision ; you want to be good, but you want to be good for something. On the other hand, vision without values can create a Hitler . 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