When people will not weed their own minds, they are apt to be overrun by nettles.
Horace WalpoleRead
We often repent of our first thoughts, and scarce ever of our second.
Interpretation
What this quote means
We tend to regret our initial impulses more than our later reflections.
This quote implies that our first instincts or immediate reactions to situations are often driven by emotion or instinct rather than careful consideration. It suggests that while we might quickly judge or act without thought, the second thought usually comes after reflection and is often more prudent, leading to fewer regrets.
Themes
RegretReflectionThoughtsImpulseConsideration
In practice
Example use cases
During a team meeting discussing project strategies, emphasize the importance of thinking through plans thoroughly rather than rushing to conclusions.
More from Horace Walpole
All quotes βLife is a comedy for those who think and a tragedy for those who feel.
Horace WalpoleRead
Who has begun has half done. Have the courage to be wise. Begin!
Horace WalpoleRead
By deafness one gains in one respect more than one loses; one misses more nonsense than sense.
Horace WalpoleRead
Men are often capable of greater things than they perform - They are sent into the world with bills of credit, and seldom draw to their full extent.
Horace WalpoleRead
The passions seldom give good advice but to the interested and mercenary. Resentment generally suggests bad measures. Second thoughts and good nature will rarely, very rarely, approve the first hints of anger.
Horace WalpoleRead
Similar quotes
Only fools, liars, and charlatans predict earthquakes
Charles Francis RichterRead
Heartache forces us to embrace God out of desparate, urgent need. God is never closer than when your heart is aching.
Joni Eareckson TadaRead
It put our energies to sleep and made visionaries of us - dreamers and indolent... It is good to begin life poor; it is good to begin life rich - these are wholesome; but to begin it prospectively rich! The man who has not experienced it cannot imagine the curse of it.
Mark TwainRead
Do your work, but do your thing.
Ralph Waldo EmersonRead
I have great faith in fools,β self-confidence my friends will call it.
Edgar Allan PoeRead
In each action we must look beyond the action at our past, present, and future state, and at others whom it affects, and see the relations of all those things. And then we shall be very cautious.
Blaise PascalRead