Business Quote by William Arthur Ward
“Before you speak, listen. Before you write, think. Before you spend, earn. Before you invest, investigate. Before you criticize, wait. Before you pray, forgive. Before you quit, try. Before you retire, save. Before you die, give.”
About This Quote
Source Quote collection: “The Book of Thoughts” by William Arthur Ward, 1965
A series of concise, sequential maxims urging thoughtful, disciplined actions before major life decisions.
In simple terms: Think before you act in all areas.
Key Takeaway
Pause and consider before acting.
Themes
wisdom
discipline
mindfulness
personal growth
Mood
thoughtful
inspirational
practical
Type
advice
philosophical
motivational
When to use this quote
- daily planning
- financial budgeting
- creative projects
- spiritual practice
Key Concepts
ethical decision‑making
habit formation
self‑control
Questions to Reflect On
- Which maxim resonates most with your current challenges?
- How can you integrate pause into fast‑paced routines?
A Different Perspective
The list may oversimplify complex decisions that require flexibility.
![“[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)