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While we are making up our minds as to when we shall begin, the opportunity is lost.
Quintilian
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Delaying decisions can lead to missed opportunities.

This quote by Quintilian highlights the importance of taking action rather than postponing decisions. It serves as a reminder that while we are still contemplating when to act, the chance to do so may slip away, emphasizing the necessity of making timely choices in life.

Themes

OpportunityActionDecisionsTimelinessProcrastination

In practice

Example use cases

This quote can be used in a motivational speech to encourage taking action.

More from Quintilian

Consequently the student who is devoid of talent will derive no more profit from this work than barren soil from a treatise on agriculture.
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As regards parents, I should like to see them as highly educated as possible, and I do not restrict this remark to fathers alone.
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Whilst we deliberate how to begin a thing, it grows too late to begin it.
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A laugh costs too much when bought at the expense of virtue.
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An evil-speaker differs from an evil-doer only in the want of opportunity.
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It is the nurse that the child first hears, and her words that he will first attempt to imitate.
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A little wisdom, now and then

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