All the mistakes I ever made were when I wanted to say 'No' and said 'Yes'.
Moss HartRead
I have had many successes and many failures in my life. My successes have always been for different reasons, but my failures have always been for the same reason: I said yes when I meant no.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes the importance of integrity in decision-making, highlighting that saying 'yes' when one truly feels 'no' leads to repeated failures.
Moss Hart reflects on his life experiences, indicating that while successes stem from various factors, his repeated failures share a common root: a lack of honesty with himself about his desires and boundaries. This eternal struggle of wanting to please others or conforming to expectations leads to choices that don't align with his true self, ultimately resulting in frustration and regret. The quote serves as a reminder of the importance of self-awareness and the need to be true to oneself in decisions.
Themes
IntegrityDecisionsHonestySelf-AwarenessFailure
In practice
Example use cases
In a motivational speech about the importance of personal integrity.
More from Moss Hart
All quotes →Similar quotes
For the most part, we inherit our opinions. We are the heirs of habits and mental customs.
Robert Green IngersollRead
Simply be who you are, do what you do best, be where you are called by joy, and let life work its magic on your behalf.
Alan CohenRead
Without imagination we can go nowhere. And imagination is not restricted to the arts. Every scientist I have met who has been a success has had to imagine.
Rita DoveRead
Differences can be a strength.
Condoleezza RiceRead
Be grateful that your righteous life molds you so that you don’t fit where you don’t belong
Richard G. ScottRead
Ignorance is a cure for nothing.
W. E. B. Du BoisRead