“Most human organizations that fall short of their goals do so not because of stupidity or faulty doctrines, but because of internal decay and rigidification. They grow stiff in the joints. They get in a rut. They go to seed.”
Cite this quote
APA
“Most human organizations that fall short of their goals do so not because of stupidity or faulty doctrines, but because of internal decay and rigidification. They grow stiff in the joints. They get in a rut. They go to seed.” [Quotation attributed to James A. Garfield]. (n.d.). Famous Quotations Network. Retrieved October 24, 2026, from https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/13136-most-human-organizations-that-fall-short-of-their/
MLA
“Most human organizations that fall short of their goals do so not because of stupidity or faulty doctrines, but because of internal decay and rigidification. They grow stiff in the joints. They get in a rut. They go to seed.” Attributed to James A. Garfield. Famous Quotations Network, https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/13136-most-human-organizations-that-fall-short-of-their/. Accessed 24 Oct. 2026.
Chicago
“Most human organizations that fall short of their goals do so not because of stupidity or faulty doctrines, but because of internal decay and rigidification. They grow stiff in the joints. They get in a rut. They go to seed.” Attributed to James A. Garfield. Famous Quotations Network. Accessed October 24, 2026. https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/13136-most-human-organizations-that-fall-short-of-their/.