How many a man has thrown up his hands at a time when a little more effort, a little more patience would have achieved success.
Elbert HubbardRead
Every man is a damn fool for at least five minutes every day; wisdom consists in not exceeding the limit.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Everyone has moments of foolishness, but wisdom lies in knowing when to stop.
This quote suggests that it is natural for people to act foolishly at times, but true wisdom is demonstrated by recognizing those moments and exercising restraint. It highlights the importance of self-awareness and the ability to manage one's actions to avoid prolonged foolishness, which can lead to negative consequences.
Themes
WisdomFoolishnessSelf-AwarenessRestraintKnowledge
In practice
Example use cases
During a team meeting, I quoted this to emphasize the importance of staying grounded and reducing impulsive decisions.
More from Elbert Hubbard
All quotes βThe mintage of wisdom is to know that rest is rust, and that real life is love, laughter, and work.
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Many people fail in life, not for lack of ability or brains or even courage but simply because they have never organized their energies around a goal.
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He has achieved success who has worked well, laughed often, and loved much.
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Our finest flowers are often weeds transplanted.
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Truth, in its struggles for recognition, passes through four distinct stages. First, we say it is damnable, dangerous, disorderly, and will surely disrupt society. Second, we declare it is heretical, infidelic and contrary to the Bible. Third, we say it is really a matter of no importance either one way or the other. Fourth, we aver that we have always upheld it and believed it.
Elbert HubbardRead
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