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We do not act rightly because we have virtue or excellence. But they hesitate, waiting for the other fellow to make the first move-and he, in turn, waits for you.
Aristotle
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Interpretation

What this quote means

People often fail to take action due to hesitation, waiting for others to initiate.

This quote by Aristotle highlights the tendency of individuals to wait for someone else to take the first step in taking action, suggesting that virtue or excellence alone does not compel action. It underlines the importance of personal initiative and the collective hesitation that can prevent progress in various aspects of life, emphasizing that someone needs to break the cycle of waiting.

Themes

ActionHesitationInitiativeVirtueExcellence

In practice

Example use cases

In a motivational speech about taking initiative in the workplace.

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