"If you think in terms of a year, plant a seed; if in terms of ten years, plant trees; if in terms of 100 years, teach the people"
- Confucius
About this Quote
This quote by Confucius suggests that the actions we take today will have a long-lasting influence on the future. If we have short-term objectives, we should do something that will offer us immediate outcomes, like planting a seed. Nevertheless, if we have long-lasting goals, we ought to do something that will benefit future generations, like planting trees. And, if we have extremely long-lasting objectives, like ones that cover a number of generations, we ought to concentrate on educating individuals as that will have an extensive impact. In essence, this quote triggers us to be forward-thinking and considerate of the impact our actions will have in the future.