Meaning: The quote you've provided is from James C. Collins, an American author, teacher, and business consultant. The phrase "hedgehog concept" was popularized by Collins in his book "Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap... and Others Don't." In this book, Collins explores the factors that distinguish great companies from good ones and introduces the concept of the "hedgehog concept" as a key element in the success of these exceptional organizations.

The hedgehog concept is based on the famous essay "The Hedgehog and the Fox" by philosopher Isaiah Berlin. In the essay, Berlin divided the world into hedgehogs and foxes based on a line from the ancient Greek poet Archilochus: "The fox knows many things, but the hedgehog knows one big thing." The essence of the hedgehog concept, as applied to business by Collins, is that great companies focus on one big thing that they can be the best in the world at, and they align all their resources and efforts around this core principle.

Collins identified three intersecting circles that form the hedgehog concept: what you are deeply passionate about, what you can be the best in the world at, and what drives your economic engine. When a company finds the intersection of these three circles, it discovers its hedgehog concept. This concept becomes the guiding principle for the company's long-term strategy and fuels its journey from good to great.

In the quote you provided, Collins is emphasizing the universality of the hedgehog concept. He asserts that everyone, not just companies, can find their hedgehog concept. By highlighting that if companies can do it, anyone can do it, he suggests that the principles behind discovering a hedgehog concept are applicable not only to business but also to individuals and their pursuits.

Collins' assertion that "anybody who says they can't is simply whining" underscores his belief in the potential for all individuals to identify their unique hedgehog concept. He challenges any notion of limitation or inability, suggesting that such attitudes are mere excuses rather than genuine barriers to discovering and pursuing one's passion and potential for greatness.

The quote serves as a motivational call to action, encouraging individuals to explore their passions, strengths, and economic opportunities to identify their own hedgehog concept. It challenges the reader to embrace the possibility that they, too, can align their lives and endeavors around a central, unifying purpose that can lead to personal and professional fulfillment.

In summary, the quote by James C. Collins underscores the universal applicability of the hedgehog concept and its potential to guide not only companies but also individuals towards greatness. By rejecting the notion of limitations and emphasizing the accessibility of this concept to all, Collins inspires his audience to seek out their own hedgehog concept and align their efforts with a singular, powerful focus.