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but it is also true, if this brings her any consolation, that if, before every action, we were to begin weighing up the consequences, thinking about them in earnest, first the immediate consequences, then the probably, then the possible, then the imaginable ones, we should never move beyond the point where our first thought brought us to a halt.
Jose Saramago
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Taking time to consider consequences can often lead to inaction.

The quote by José Saramago suggests that overanalyzing the potential consequences of our actions can paralyze us, preventing us from making decisions and moving forward. It highlights the importance of balancing reflection with action, as excessive contemplation can stifle initiative and progress.

Themes

ConsequenceActionDecisionInactionReflection

In practice

Example use cases

In a motivational speech about taking risks and making decisions.

More from Jose Saramago

Why did we become blind, I don't know, perhaps one day we'll find out, Do you want me to tell you what I think, Yes, do, I don't think we did go blind, I think we are blind, Blind but seeing, Blind people who can see, but do not see.
Jose SaramagoRead
I can't imagine myself outside any kind of social or political involvement. Yes, I'm a writer, but I live in this world, and my writing doesn't exist on a separate level. And if people know who I am and read my books, well, good; that way, if I have something more to say, then everyone benefits.
Jose SaramagoRead
...you have to leave the island in order to see the island, that we can't see ourselves unless we become free of ourselves, Unless we escape from ourselves you mean, No, that's not the same thing.
Jose SaramagoRead
Whether we like it or not, the one justification for the existence of all religions is death, they need death as much as we need bread to eat.
Jose SaramagoRead
With the passage of time, as well as the social evolution and genetic exchange, we ended up putting our conscience in the color of our blood and the salt of our tears.
Jose SaramagoRead
En ningún momento de la historia, en ningún lugar del planeta, las religiones han servido para que los seres humanos se acerquen unos a los otros. Por el contrario, sólo han servido para separar, para quemar, para torturar. No creo en dios, no lo necesito y además soy buena persona.
Jose SaramagoRead

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This silence, this moment, every moment, If it's genuinely inside you, brings what you need.
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