John D. Rockefeller：Random Reminiscences of Men and Events, Additional Excerpt 12

It is not always the easiest of tasks to induce strong, forceful men to agree. It has always been our policy to hear patiently and discuss frankly until the last shred of evidence is on the table, before trying to reach a conclusion and to decide finally upon a course of action. In working with so many partners, the conservative ones are apt to be in the majority, and this is no doubt a desirable thing when the mere momentum of a large concern is certain to carry it forward. The men who have been very successful are correspondingly conservative, since they have much to lose in case of disaster. But fortunately there are also the aggressive and more daring ones, and they are usually the youngest in the company, perhaps few in number, but impetuous and convincing. They want to accomplish things and to move quickly, and they don't mind any amount of work or responsibility. I remember in particular an experience when the conservative influence met the progressive--shall I say?--or the daring side. At all events, this was the side I represented in this case.

Source： https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/17090
Locator：Additional excerpt 12 · Verified：2026-10-19 · Verification：Short excerpt

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