"زمان دوست شرکت عالی و دشمن شرکت متوسط است"

The heart of this quote is pretty straightforward: quality endures. When you think about businesses, the exceptional ones get better and stronger over time. They build on their strengths, grow their customer base, and maybe even revolutionize their industries. On the flip side, companies that are just so-so? They struggle to keep up and might eventually fade away.

Warren Buffett, a legendary investor, coined this phrase. He’s someone who knows a thing or two about spotting great businesses. His strategy has always been about playing the long game. He’s not interested in quick profits but rather in investing in companies with solid fundamentals and staying power. When he says “time is the friend of the wonderful company,” he’s talking about how these companies, given time, will prove their value and resilience. Mediocre companies, however, will reveal their limitations and weaknesses over time.

Let’s talk about a real-life example to bring this to life. Imagine Apple Inc. Think back to the 1990s when Apple was struggling. They were far from the tech giant they are today. But the company had a vision, a commitment to innovation, and a knack for creating products that people didn’t even know they needed. Fast forward to today, and Apple is not just surviving; it’s thriving — setting trends and maintaining a fiercely loyal customer base. Time has certainly been a friend to Apple. Contrast this with, say, Blockbuster. Once a giant in the video rental world, it failed to adapt to the digital revolution. As time went on, its inability to innovate led to its downfall. Time exposed its mediocrity.

So, how can you apply this bit of wisdom? Whether you’re running a business or just navigating your career, aim to be exceptional. Focus on continuous improvement, innovation, and staying true to your values. Don’t settle for mediocrity because it won’t stand the test of time. If you’re investing, look for companies with robust fundamentals and a clear vision for the future. Be patient and think long-term. Excellence will show its worth over time, while mediocrity will falter.

Let’s make it even more relatable. Picture two restaurants in your neighborhood. One is a family-run place that sources local ingredients, experiments with new recipes, and genuinely cares about its customers. The other is a chain restaurant that offers the same generic menu you can find anywhere. Which one do you think will become a cherished local gem over the years? The family-run restaurant, of course. Its commitment to quality and community will earn it a loyal following and a special place in people’s hearts. Time will be its friend. The chain restaurant may do well initially because of its recognizable name, but if it doesn’t offer anything special, people will eventually lose interest. That’s time being the enemy of the mediocre.

In the end, this quote is a reminder to strive for excellence in whatever you do. It’s a call to invest in quality, whether that’s in your personal projects, career, or investments. Think long-term, and remember that while time will always tick away, it will reward those who aim for greatness and expose those who don’t.

So, next time you’re faced with a choice, ask yourself: “Is this the wonderful company or the mediocre one?” Time will tell, but it’s better to bet on what’s truly exceptional.