QuoteProject
It is a characteristic of wisdom not to do desperate things.
Henry David Thoreau
ShareWTF𝕏

Interpretation

What this quote means

Wisdom involves making thoughtful choices rather than acting out of desperation.

This quote by Henry David Thoreau emphasizes that true wisdom includes the restraint from hasty or desperate actions. It suggests that a wise person carefully considers their options rather than succumbing to panic or urgency, thus fostering better decision-making and outcomes.

Themes

WisdomDecisionsRestraintThoughtfulnessCharacteristic

In practice

Example use cases

During a tough business meeting, one could use this quote to remind everyone to remain calm and think wisely before making choices.

More from Henry David Thoreau

None are so old as those who have outlived enthusiasm.
Henry David ThoreauRead
Through want of enterprise and faith men are where they are, buying and selling and spending their lives like servants.
Henry David ThoreauRead
An early-morning walk is a blessing for the whole day.
Henry David ThoreauRead
Have no mean hours, but be grateful for every hour, and accept what it brings. The reality will make any sincere record respectable.
Henry David ThoreauRead
As every season seems best to us in its turn, so the coming in of spring is like the creation of Cosmos out of Chaos and the realization of the Golden Age.
Henry David ThoreauRead
That grand old poem called Winter
Henry David ThoreauRead

Similar quotes

The path of compassion leads to the development of insight. But it doesn't work to say, "Ready, set, go! Be compassionate!" Beginning any practice depends on intention. Intention depends on intuiting-at least a little bit-the suffering inherent in the human condition and the pain we feel, and cause, when we act out of confusion. It also depends on trusting-at least a little bit-in the possibility of a contented, satisfied mind.
Sylvia BoorsteinRead
If you don’t want your life to be 'messed up', don’t fool around with those who have messed up theirs.
Napoleon HillRead
Some gave me soft words and some blunt, some made excuses, some promises, some only lied. In the end words are just wind.
George R. R. MartinRead
I believe that if you don't derive a deep sense of purpose from what you do, if you don't come radiantly alive several times a day, if you don't feel deeply grateful at the tremendous good fortune that has been bestowed on you, then you are wasting your life. And life is too short to waste.
Srikumar RaoRead
Don't be obsessed with tactics but with purpose. Tactics have a half life.
Noam ChomskyRead
Self-control might be as passionate and as active as the surrender to passion.
W. Somerset MaughamRead

A little wisdom, now and then

Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.