Meaning: This quote by J. Paul Getty, a prominent American businessman and founder of the Getty Oil Company, provides a thought-provoking analogy about working for a large company. In this quote, Getty compares the experience of working for a large company to being on a train, raising the question of whether the individual is driving their own career at a certain speed or if they are merely passengers on the company's journey.

The analogy of being on a train is a powerful metaphor for the experience of working in a large company. It captures the sense of being part of a larger entity with its own momentum and direction. When Getty asks, "Are you going sixty miles an hour or is the train going sixty miles an hour and you're just sitting still?" he is drawing attention to the dynamics of working in a large organization.

For many employees in large companies, the feeling of being on a train going at a certain speed can be quite relatable. In such organizations, there are often established processes, hierarchies, and systems that can make individuals feel like they are just passengers on a journey determined by the company's direction and goals. This can lead to a sense of being "just sitting still" in terms of personal growth and autonomy.

On the other hand, the quote also raises the question of agency and individual initiative. Getty's comparison invites contemplation about whether individuals have the ability to drive their own careers and make meaningful contributions to the company’s direction, or if they are simply being carried along by the organization’s momentum.

In the context of the corporate world, this quote highlights the tension between individual ambition and the realities of working within a large, established company. It speaks to the challenge of maintaining a sense of personal agency and actively shaping one's career path while navigating the structures and dynamics of a corporate environment.

For some, working in a large company may indeed feel like being on a train, with a clear trajectory and speed that is set by the organization. However, this analogy also prompts individuals to consider how much influence and control they have over their own professional journey within the confines of the corporate setting.

Moreover, Getty's quote can be interpreted as a call for individuals to reflect on their role within the company and to consider how they can actively contribute to its progress and success. It encourages employees to assess whether they are content with being passengers on a pre-determined journey or if they are willing to take a more active role in driving their own careers and influencing the direction of the company.

In conclusion, J. Paul Getty's analogy of working for a large company as being on a train provides a thought-provoking perspective on the dynamics of corporate employment. It prompts individuals to contemplate their agency, initiative, and level of influence within the context of a larger organizational structure. While the quote captures the sense of being carried along by the momentum of a large company, it also challenges individuals to consider their ability to drive their own careers and contribute meaningfully to the company's journey.