There is a widespread quotation on the Internet that goes like this: "If all you need is a pretty picture and some smart words to motivate you, you have an easy job. The kind of job that robots will be doing soon.”

We do not think it likely that diplomatic work will be substituted by robots: human factors are fundamental to its success. What we do firmly believe is that some of the wisdom accumulated by humanity over the centuries has stood the test of time and remains as valid as ever.

The intention behind the 2015 Diplo calendar is to present a selection of this
wisdom in the hope that it will inspire you and lead you to explore the thoughts of the people who in one way or another have changed human history for the better.

We are convinced that curiosity and knowledge are essential for professional and personal progress. If every month you can find a little time to reflect on our
selected quotation, we hope that you will find it rewarding.

Authors of the quotations included in the calendar

Leonardo da Vinci (1452–1519) - Italian Renaissance genius: painter, sculptor, architect, musician, mathematician, engineer, inventor, anatomist,
geologist, cartographer, botanist, and writer.

Mark Twain (1835-1910) - Actual name: Samuel Langhorne Clemens. American author and humorist. His books and quotations continue to be highly
regarded.

Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) - One the founding fathers of the United States of America, a man whose talents ranged from politics to science,
author and inventor (including the lightning rod and bifocal lenses).

Peter Drucker (1909-2005) - Management consultant, educator and author, author of several books on management and a leader in establishing
management education.

Blaine Lee (1946-2009) - One of the founders of the Covey Leadership Centre, author, educator and consultant. Widely regarded as an inspirational
figure.

Jack Welch (1935- ) - Former Chief Executive Officer of General Electric between 1981 and 2001. During his tenure, the value of the company
increased by 4,000%. He has published several books.

Edward de Bono (1933- ) - Inventor, author and educator, graduated in medicine as well as in psychology. Author on numerous books on thinking
and creativity.

Byron Dorgan (1942- ) - Former U.S. Senator for North Dakota, author of several books about politics and money.

Henry Ford (1863-1947) - American industrialist converted the automobile from an expensive luxury into an affordable vehicle that had massive
impact on the United States and the world.

Louis Pasteur (1822-1895) - French chemist and microbiologist renowned for his discoveries of the principles of vaccination, microbial fermentation
and pasteurization. A major contributor to understanding the causes and preventions of diseases.

Alvin Toffler (1928- ) - American writer and futurist known for his works discussing the digital, communications and corporate revolutions arising
from technological innovation.

Michelangelo Buonarroti (1475-1564) - Italian sculptor, painter, architect, poet and engineer. Considered one of the greatest artists of his time and one
of the best documented artists of the 16th Century.

DIPLO CALENDAR 2015

Learning never exhausts the mind (Leonardo Da Vinci)

Authors of the quotations included in the calendar