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They that apply themselves to trifling matters commonly become incapable of great ones.
Francois De La Rochefoucauld
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Focusing on unimportant details can prevent you from achieving significant accomplishments.

This quote suggests that when individuals concentrate on trivial or minor issues, they risk losing the ability to handle more substantial tasks and responsibilities. It serves as a reminder to prioritize what truly matters in order to achieve greatness.

Themes

TrivialFocusGreatnessAchievementPriorities

In practice

Example use cases

During a team meeting, this quote can emphasize the importance of focusing on major goals rather than getting bogged down by minor issues.

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Some counterfeits reproduce so very well the truth that it would be a flaw of judgment not to be deceived by them.
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Conceit causes more conversation than wit.
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The defects and faults of the mind are like wounds in the body; after all imaginable care has been taken to heal them up, still there will be a scar left behind, and they are in continual danger of breaking the skin and bursting out again.
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To understand matters rightly we should understand their details; and as that knowledge is almost infinite, our knowledge is always superficial and imperfect.
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