Big Things Often Have Small Beginnings Quote
“Big things often have small beginnings” is a quote that has been around for years. It has been used in various contexts, whether it’s about starting a business, learning a new skill, or just life in general. The quote means that great things can come from humble beginnings, and that you don’t need to have everything figured out before you start something.
The Origins of the Quote
The quote is often attributed to the Irish playwright George Bernard Shaw. However, there is no actual record of him ever saying or writing it. The quote’s origins are somewhat of a mystery, but it is believed to have been used in various forms throughout history.
One of the earliest known uses of the quote was in a book called “The Naturalist’s Library” by Sir William Jardine in 1833. In the book, Jardine wrote, “Great oaks from little acorns grow.” This is similar to the “big things often have small beginnings” quote, in that it highlights the idea that great things can come from small or humble beginnings.
What the Quote Means
The quote is often used to encourage people to take action and start something, even if it seems small or insignificant at first. It’s a reminder that every journey begins with a single step, and that the most successful people are often the ones who started with very little.
For example, many successful entrepreneurs started their businesses in their garages or dorm rooms with just a few hundred dollars. But through hard work, perseverance, and a willingness to take risks, they were able to grow their companies into multimillion-dollar enterprises.
The quote also highlights the importance of patience and persistence. Great things don’t happen overnight, and success often requires years of hard work and dedication. But if you stay focused on your goals and keep pushing forward, you can achieve amazing things.
Examples of the Quote in Action
There are countless examples of the “big things often have small beginnings” quote in action. Here are just a few:
Apple
Apple was started in a garage by Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak in 1976. They had no funding, no business plan, and no experience running a company. But they had a vision for a computer that could change the world, and they were willing to work tirelessly to make it a reality. Today, Apple is one of the most valuable companies in the world.
J.K. Rowling
J.K. Rowling was a struggling single mom when she started writing the first Harry Potter book. She had no literary agent, no publishing deal, and no guarantee that anyone would even read her book. But she believed in her story and kept working on it, even when she faced rejection after rejection. Today, the Harry Potter franchise is worth billions of dollars.
The Wright Brothers
The Wright Brothers were bicycle mechanics who dreamed of flying. They had no formal education in engineering or aviation, and they faced countless setbacks and failures in their quest to build a working airplane. But they kept experimenting and refining their designs, and in 1903, they successfully flew the first powered airplane.
Conclusion
The “big things often have small beginnings” quote is a powerful reminder that success is possible, even if you start with very little. It’s a call to action to take risks, pursue your dreams, and keep pushing forward, even when the road ahead seems long and difficult. So if you’re thinking about starting something new, remember that every journey begins with a single step.