Size isn’t everything. The whale is endangered, while the ant continues to do just fine.
Bill Vaughan
MEANING OF THIS QUOTE
Size – whether it’s in terms of physical prowess or economic might – isn’t always a boon. It can, in fact, also be a bane in that it can expose a person or entity to a greater risk than its relatively small peers. A good example are whales, who have been hunted to the point of extinction, primarily because of their massive size. Meanwhile, tiny ants haven’t just survived, but seem to thrive all over the world. That said, while this quote seems to have more to do with science and evolution, it is equally applicable to everyday life.
MODERN RELEVANCE OF THE WHALE QUOTE
Oftentimes, life puts us in seemingly disadvantageous situations vis-à-vis people who are more equipped than us to succeed. For most people, this saps them of all motivation and courage to put their best step forward, practically handing the advantage to their more favored opponents. However, for all their might, their size and stature deprive them of the one critical edge you have – the element of surprise. For instance, in a professional setting, a smaller, more inexperienced firm might have the last laugh if the client decides it can provide a more personalized and driven service than a multi-million-dollar company it is competing with. In the end, it is all about highlighting your positives while projecting your supposed weaknesses as potential strengths.
CONCLUSION
A bigger size is no guarantee for success. Likewise, you aren’t doomed to failure just because you are outsized by your peers and competitors. With the right strategy, you can easily thrive in the most competitive of settings. This might involve a lot of planning and strategizing, but it is all very rewarding in the end if things work out.
William E. Vaughan, popularly known as Bill Vaughan, was an American columnist and author. Renowned for his folksy aphorisms, the whale quote is one of Vaughan’s most famous sayings: “Size isn’t everything. The whale is endangered, while the ant continues to do just fine.”