Slow but steady wins the race.
Never trust the advice of a man in difficulties.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Be cautious of advice from those who are struggling, as their perspective may be biased by their own challenges.
This quote by Aesop highlights the importance of critically evaluating the advice we receive, especially when it comes from individuals who are currently facing hardships. Their judgments may be clouded by their own difficulties, and therefore, it might not be in our best interest to follow their guidance blindly. It serves as a reminder to seek counsel from those who are stable and have successfully navigated similar challenges.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
In a motivational speech about making wise choices, one might use this quote to emphasize the importance of being discerning about whom to listen to.
More from Aesop
All quotes βWe often despise what is most useful to us.
The haft of the arrow had been feathered with one of the eagle's own Lures. We often give our enemies the means of our own destruction.
We hang the petty thieves and appoint the great ones to public office.
If you are a friend, why do you bite me so hard? If an enemy, why do you fawn on me?
The unhappy derive comfort from the misfortunes of others.
Similar quotes
If this is not done, future ages will certainly look back upon us as a people so immersed in the pursuit of wealth as to be blind to higher considerations.
What you focus on grows, what you think about expands, and what you dwell upon determines your destiny.
People do not always understand the motives of sublime conduct, and when they are astonished they are very apt to think they ought to be alarmed. The truth is none are fit judges of greatness but those who are capable of it.
The wise are instructed by reason, average minds by experience, the stupid by necessity and the brute by instinct.
Of all the traps and pitfalls in life, self-disesteem is the deadliest, and the hardest to overcome: for it is a pit designed and dug by our own hands, summed up in the phrase, 'It's no use - I can't do it.'
Kindness is more important than wisdom, and the recognition of this is the beginning of wisdom.