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The question

What counsel would you give your twenty-year-old self — and what should they ignore?
Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw

Founder and executive chairperson of Biocon

Recorded said elsewhere, not written here
One day, I spoke to him about my sense of shame. He looked me in the eyes and told me that brewing was a science; it was not about getting drunk. He did not stop there. He said: 'Do not make judgment on things, people, and issues with half information.' He said there is truth in everything you see around. So, look for everything in its entirety. That was a game-changing moment for me.

Subroto Bagchi, Forbes India, 3 September 2009 source ↗

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Werner Herzog Film director, screenwriter and opera director
No. Go for it, as I did it. Go for all the mistakes. I made so many mistakes in doing my films. They all have a stutter or a limp or they are squint-eyed. Hardly anyone notices it, but I notice. Make your mistakes. Get arrested if you trespass. Yes. Do it. There’s nothing wrong with spending a night or two in jail. I’ve done that. Don’t be afraid of the grizzly bear behind you. Travel on foot. Read books.
Recorded Rolling Stone, Rolling Stone, 'The Last Word' interview, 1 January 2020 source ↗
Eleanor Roosevelt First Lady of the United States 1933–1945; United States Delegate to the United Nations General Assembly 1945–1952; Chair of the UN Commission on Human Rights 1946–1951
Courage is more exhilarating than fear and in the long run it is easier. We do not have to become heroes overnight. Just a step at time, meeting each thing that comes up, seeing it is not as dreadful as it appeared, discovering we have the strength to stare it down.
Recorded You Learn by Living (1960), Eleanor Roosevelt Papers Project, The George Washington University, 1960 source ↗
Ratan Tata Chairman of Tata Sons, 1991–2012
I would hope that most of you will in fact strive for leadership in a principled manner with values, because that would be the foundation that this country needs to have if it is to take its place in the world. I would hope that each of you would lead by example and that each of you would live by the principles that you espouse.
Recorded Indian School of Business, Hyderabad — graduation address, Rediff Business, 11 June 2010 source ↗
Benazir Bhutto Prime Minister of Pakistan, 1988–1990 and 1993–1996
I’d tell them, “If you believe in something, go for it, but know that when you go for it there’s a price to be paid. Be ready to pay that price and you can contribute to the welfare of society, and society will acknowledge you and respect you for it. And don’t be afraid. Don’t be afraid.”
Recorded Academy of Achievement recorded interview, American Academy of Achievement, 27 October 2000 source ↗

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