This quote emphasizes the idea that creating a sustainable, long-lasting company is both more challenging and more significant than simply creating a great product. The notion here is that a great product might be successful in the short-term, but it’s the company and its culture, values, and ability to innovate that will ensure long-term success.
The product is just a manifestation of what the company is and what it stands for. If the company is not robust, if it does not have solid foundations, then even a great product cannot sustain it in the long run. It’s like building a house on sand; no matter how beautiful the house, it will eventually collapse because the foundation is weak.
In contrast, an enduring company can weather failures, adapt to changes in the market, and continually produce great products or services. It’s not just about one successful product, but about creating an environment where innovation, quality, and customer satisfaction are the norm.
Applying this concept in today’s world, we can see that companies that focus on their culture and values, that invest in their employees and in innovation, tend to be more successful in the long run. They are able to adapt and evolve, to overcome challenges and to seize new opportunities. They are not defined by one product, but by their ability to consistently deliver value to their customers.
On a personal level, this quote might be interpreted as emphasizing the importance of personal growth and character development over individual achievements. Just like a great product, an individual achievement might bring short-term success and satisfaction, but it’s the person’s character, their values, their ability to learn and grow, that will determine their long-term success and happiness. It’s not just about what you achieve, but about who you become in the process.