Quote of the day by Satya Nadella: If you are not learning new things, you...
Satya Nadella has argued that continuous learning is central to lasting impact. His words have reshaped leadership thinking at Microsoft and across the technology world.
“If you are not learning new things, you stop doing great and useful things.”
These words are spoken by Satya Nadella, CEO of Microsoft, and reflect a central idea he has promoted since taking the helm in 2014.
Nadella has made learning a public value at Microsoft, urging staff and leaders to remain curious and to adopt a “learn-it-all” mindset rather than a “know-it-all” stance.
The line appears in his early messages and in his book Hit Refresh, where he links learning to innovation and usefulness.
PERSONALITY AND LIFE
Satya Nadella was born on November 19, 1967, in Hyderabad, India.
He trained in electrical engineering at the Manipal Institute of Technology, earned an MS in computer science from the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee and an MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business.
Nadella joined Microsoft in 1992, rose through product and cloud engineering roles and, exactly 12 years ago on this date, Satya Nadella was appointed as the new CEO of Microsoft, which is the world’s largest software company.
Known for a calm, empathetic leadership style, he has emphasised cultural renewal, collaboration and a focus on customers and society.
EXPLAINING THE QUOTE AND ITS PHILOSOPHY
The quote, “If you are not learning new things, you stop doing great and useful things," at its simplest, says that learning fuels usefulness.
Satya Nadella’s quote means that if we stop learning, we also stop growing and creating useful things.
Learning keeps our minds active, helps us solve new problems, and allows us to adapt to changes around us. Just knowing what we already know is not enough, because the world keeps changing, especially in technology.
By constantly learning new skills and ideas, we can continue to do meaningful work that helps others and makes a real difference.
Nadella also links learning to leadership and teamwork.
A person or organisation that keeps learning can innovate, improve, and stay relevant. It is not just about personal growth, it is about being useful and making an impact in the world.
QUOTES BY SATYA NADELLA
We need to believe in the impossible and remove the improbable.
Our industry does not respect tradition — it only respects innovation.
Every one of us needs to do our best work, lead and help drive cultural change.
This is a software-powered world.
Nadella’s line is a practical ethic: remain curious, keep learning, and you will keep creating work that matters. In fast-moving fields, that habit separates those who merely follow trends from those who shape them.