"It is a far, far better thing to have a firm anchor in nonsense than to put out on the troubled sea of thought." John Kenneth Galbraith
A giant of 20th century economic theory and an advisor to U.S presidents, Galbraith was also known for his acerbic and insightful wit, of which… read more
“There are some who only employ words for the purpose of disguising their thoughts.” Voltaire
This wonderful quote from the 18th century tells us of a 21st century issue that many leaders are still dealing with: The inability to build trust. The Czechs have a saying, “He preaches water… read more
"The absence of alternatives clears the mind marvelously." Henry Kissinger
There are a number of ways one could interpret this quote, but here is what it says to me in the context of business. First of all, in problem solving, it is very important to identify and discuss all possible,… read more
"Doubt is not a pleasant condition, but certainty is absurd." Voltaire
As is so often the case when I review my collection of quotes, many seem so prescient as they relate to circumstances hundreds of years in the future. This quote is a stunning example. As a writer of the 18th… read more
"Inspiration is for amateurs. The rest of us just show up and get to work." -- Chuck Close
Some might note a bit of cynicism in this quote, but I see a deeper meaning to it. Inspiration is wonderful, not doubt about it. And, without it, many wonderful things would not even get thought of… read more
"A good listener is not only popular everywhere, but after a while he gets to know something." Wilson Mizner
There is much more to this quote than the obvious and it’s well worthwhile to take note of. Two things are absolutely critical for leaders today: gathering data and influencing… read more
"The only way to make a man trustworthy is to trust him." Henry Stimson
If ever there were a quote to describe the alchemy and possibility of human relations, this is it. Just to be clear, this is not an invitation to become delusional. It is not an absolute, and I can assure you… read more
"It's so much easier to suggest solutions when you don't know too much about the problem." Malcolm Forbes
Basically, there are two types of people in meetings: Those who have something to say, and those who have to say something, and Forbes’s quote so beautifully describes the… read more
"Remembering that you are going to die is the best way I know to avoid the trap of thinking you have something to lose." -- Steve Jobs
Much has been, and will continue to be, written about this icon of creativity and accomplishment. I agree that not all references to Steve Jobs’s… read more
"Live as if you were already living for a second time and as if you had made the mistake you are about to make now." Viktor Frankl
Author, psychoanalyst and philosopher, Dr. Viktor Frankl was a giant in the field of studying the human condition and the causal connection we have to the… read more
Pepper has spent his life listening, observing and recording the traits of successful leaders. This book records, in his very easy to read style, his valuable findings about the key qualities and self-awareness that successful leaders share. Common Sense is a huge part of getting things right in business and that is what this book is all about.
