Keep your friends for friendship, but work with the skilled and competent.
Meaning
Professional success requires capability over emotion.
Best Business Quotes with Meaning
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About the author
(born 1959) is an American author known for his books on strategy, power, and human behavior. His works, including "The 48 Laws of Power" and "The Art of Seduction," explore historical examples of influence and leadership. Greene’s writing is analytical and often controversial. His ideas have influenced business, politics, and personal development. Robert Greene continues to be a prominent voice in strategy and self-improvement.
Why This Quote Matters
What makes this line memorable is how plainly Robert Greene states the case for Success. It refuses fluff—Professional success requires capability over emotion.
Carrying this into your week can clarify priorities without losing momentum. Small and steady beats sudden and short-lived, every time.
How to Apply This Quote in Life
In conflict, name Success aloud; it lowers heat and raises shared standards. Ask “what would Robert Greene notice here?” and adjust one detail.
Check back on it after a setback—that’s when the idea actually gets tested. Start there and let the habit teach you the rest.
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