QuoteProject
Every man is a damn fool for at least five minutes every day; wisdom consists in not exceeding the limit.
Elbert Hubbard
ShareWTF𝕏

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

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
The mintage of wisdom is to know that rest is rust, and that real life is love, laughter, and work.
Elbert HubbardRead
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.
Elbert HubbardRead
He has achieved success who has worked well, laughed often, and loved much.
Elbert HubbardRead
Our finest flowers are often weeds transplanted.
Elbert HubbardRead
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

Similar quotes

You can either be informed and your own rulers, or you can be ignorant and have someone else, who is not ignorant, rule over you.
Julian AssangeRead
There is no joy without hardship. If not for death, would we appreciate life? If not for hate, would we know the ultimate goal is love? At these moments you can either hold on to negativity and look for blame, or you can choose to heal and keep on loving.
Elisabeth Kubler-RossRead
it is either make this thing permanent inside of you or forever just climb draggled up into the conning tower every time for one short glimpse of the horizon.
Tom WolfeRead
You cannot lift another soul until you are standing on higher ground than he is. You cannot light a fire in another soul unless it is burning in your own soul.
Harold B. LeeRead
An anthill increases by accumulation. Medicine is consumed by distribution. That which is feared lessens by association. This is the thing to understand.
OvidRead
Many highly intelligent people are poor thinkers. Many people of average intelligence are skilled thinkers. The power of a car is separate from the way the car is driven.
Edward De BonoRead

A little wisdom, now and then

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