It takes a wonderful brain and exquisite senses to produce a few stupid ideas.
George SantayanaRead
To know what people really think, pay regard to what they do, rather than what they say.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Actions reveal true intentions more than words do.
This quote emphasizes the importance of observing people's actions instead of merely listening to their words. It suggests that while people may say one thing, their actions are often a more reliable indicator of their true thoughts and feelings, hinting at the often deceptive nature of verbal communication.
Themes
ActionsWordsTruthPerceptionBehavior
In practice
Example use cases
In a team meeting, you could remind members that demonstrating commitment through action is more important than just making promises.
More from George Santayana
All quotes βThe working of great institutions is mainly the result of a vast mass of routine, petty malice, self interest, carelessness and sheer mistake. Only a residual fraction is thought.
George SantayanaRead
There is no cure for birth and death save to enjoy the interval. The dark background which death supplies brings out the tender colours of life in all their purity.
George SantayanaRead
Not to believe in love is a great sign of dullness. There are some people so indirect and lumbering that they think all real affection rests on circumstantial evidence.
George SantayanaRead
To feel beauty is a better thing than to understand how we come to feel it. To have imagination and taste, to love the best, to be carried by the contemplation of nature to a vivid faith in the ideal, all this is more, a great deal more, than any science can hope to be.
George SantayanaRead
The vital straining towards an ideal, definite but latent, when it dominates a whole life, may express that ideal more fully than could the best chosen words.
George SantayanaRead
Similar quotes
You can't get there by bus, only by hard work and risk and by not quite knowing what you're doing. What you'll discover will be wonderful. What you'll discover will be yourself.
Alan AldaRead
You can judge the quality of their faith from the way they behave. Discipline is an index to doctrine.
TertullianRead
Endurance is nobler than strength, and patience than beauty.
John RuskinRead
But I deal with this by meditating and by understanding I've been put on the planet to serve humanity. I have to remind myself to live simply and not overindulge, which is a constant battle in a material world.
Sandra CisnerosRead
I have made this letter longer than usual, only because I have not had the time to make it shorter.
Blaise PascalRead
In dwelling, live close to the ground._x000D_ _x000D_ In thinking, keep to the simple._x000D_ _x000D_ In conflict, be fair and generous._x000D_ _x000D_ In governing, don't try to control._x000D_ _x000D_ In work, do what you enjoy._x000D_ _x000D_ In family life, be completely present.
LaoziRead