#WeekendWisdom | There’s Always a Faster Car

Over four decades of traveling the world, I’ve had the privilege of meeting countless people from every walk of life — from bustling cities to remote villages, from boardrooms to family kitchens. Each encounter, big or small, has left a lasting impression, teaching me lessons that go far beyond borders and cultures. WeekendWisdom is a collection of these personal stories — small moments with big insights — shared with the hope that they bring a smile, a new perspective, or a little inspiration to your weekend.

🚗 In Germany, there’s a saying:

“There’s always someone with a faster car.”

And one crisp Sunday in 1996, I found out exactly what that meant.

At the time, I was working as a software and hardware manager at Sauer-Danfoss in Neumünster, Germany. I was behind the wheel of a Porsche 944 Targa — a sleek machine capable of reaching 250 km/h. It wasn’t the fastest Porsche out there, but 30 years ago, it was a serious piece of engineering.

My colleague and I were driving on the German autobahn from Hamburg to Mülheim for a customer visit. I had just passed another car, cruising comfortably near top speed, and enjoying the steady hum of the road.

Then — 💡 flashing headlights filled my rearview mirror.

Now, if you’ve ever driven in Germany, you’ll know: it’s the law to only pass on the left, and if someone faster is coming up behind you, you move over. So, I pulled to the right.

Moments later, a red Ferrari streaked past us. It must have been doing close to 300 km/h. In an instant, it was out of sight.

And in that moment, it felt like we were standing still.

We never saw it again.

🏁 The lesson?

It wasn’t about envy or speed. It was about perspective.

✅ No matter how fast, skilled, or accomplished you think you are — there’s always someone faster. Someone sharper. Someone who will push the limits even further.

And that’s not something to fear — it’s something to respect.

It’s a reminder to stay humble, stay sharp, and keep learning.

Because whether you’re on the autobahn or in business — there’s always someone coming up behind you.

Thanks for reading! If you enjoyed this story, feel free to hit the clap button (you can clap up to 50 times) — it really helps more people discover these reflections. Follow my profile @m-maiers to stay updated on future WeekendWisdom stories and more. I’d also love to connect with you on LinkedIn!