"There is no longer time for statements like "if only" or "we can't." We must and we will succeed. The only question now is how and when. I believe the time is now"
- Bob Riley
About this Quote
This quote by Bob Riley highlights a shift from doubt and doubt to definitive action and decision. It calls for a proactive frame of mind, encouraging individuals or groups to move beyond the constraints of past regrets ("if just") and reasons of impossibility ("we can't"). Instead, the focus must be on the inevitability of success and the actions necessary to achieve it.
The phrase "There is no longer time for statements like 'if only' or 'we can't'" suggests an urgent need to desert retrospective thinking and defeatist attitudes. "If only" shows a focus on the past, typically fixated missed out on chances or regrets. Dwelling on such ideas can trap people in a cycle of inaction. Similarly, "we can't" recommends a surrender to limitations, typically self-imposed, that avoid progress. By acknowledging that these state of minds are no longer useful, Riley pushes for a forward-thinking viewpoint.
"We should and we will succeed" is a powerful assertion of dedication and confidence. The use of "must" indicates necessity, recommending that success is not optional but vital. "We will" even more reinforces this by projecting certainty into the future, eliminating doubt about the outcome. This statement works as a motivational call to accept decision and collective effort.
"The only concern now is how and when" moves the focus from whether success is possible to the logistics of achieving it. This modification in focus encourages problem-solving and strategic planning. It implies that success is guaranteed as long as the right methods and timing are embraced.
Lastly, "I believe the time is now" includes a sense of immediacy and seriousness. It suggests that the current moment is ripe with opportunity, prompting immediate action instead of procrastination.
Overall, Riley's quote is a compelling call to action, prompting people or groups to adopt a mindset of resolve and seriousness, focusing on options and immediate application rather than dwelling on the previous or perceived limitations.
"On two occasions I have been asked, 'Pray, Mr. Babbage, if you put into the machine wrong figures, will the right answers come out?' I am not able rightly to apprehend the kind of confusion of ideas that could provoke such a question"