QuoteProject
Well, I think we tried very hard not to be overconfident, because when you get overconfident, that's when something snaps up and bites you.
Neil Armstrong
ShareWTF𝕏

Interpretation

What this quote means

Stay humble and cautious to avoid unexpected setbacks.

Neil Armstrong emphasizes the importance of maintaining a balanced perspective, especially when facing challenges. Overconfidence can lead to a false sense of security, which can ultimately result in failure or unforeseen consequences. By recognizing the risks of overconfidence, we can remain vigilant and prepared for the unexpected.

Themes

OverconfidenceHumilityCautionWisdomChallenges

In practice

Example use cases

In a motivational speech about self-awareness in leadership.

More from Neil Armstrong

The regret on our side is, they used to say years ago, we are reading about you in science class. Now they say, we are reading about you in history class.
Neil ArmstrongRead
Pilots take no special joy in walking: pilots like flying.
Neil ArmstrongRead
Here men from the planet Earth first set foot upon the Moon. July 1969 AD. We came in peace for all mankind.
Neil ArmstrongRead
I'm substantially concerned about the policy directions of the space agency. We have a situation in the U.S. where the White House and Congress are at odds over what the future direction should be. They're sort of playing a game and NASA is the shuttlecock that they're hitting back and forth.
Neil ArmstrongRead
I believe every human has a finite number of heartbeats. I don't intend to waste any of mine.
Neil ArmstrongRead
I am, and ever will be, a white socks, pocket protector, nerdy engineer.
Neil ArmstrongRead

Similar quotes

Try to acquire the virtues you believe lacking in your brothers. Then you will no longer see their defects, for you will no longer have them yourself.
Saint AugustineRead
Some people like to read so many [Bible] chapters every day. I would not dissuade them from the practice, but I would rather lay my soul asoak in half a dozen verses all day than rinse my hand in several chapters. Oh, to be bathed in a text of Scripture, and to let it be sucked up in your very soul, till it saturates your heart!
Charles SpurgeonRead
The next time you feel unworthy, inadequate or inferior, remember that these experiences have nothing to do with humbleness, any more than lowering yourself to connect with another individual has to do with humbleness. There are no lower or higher individuals in the perception of a humble person. There are only souls. There is only love.
Gary ZukavRead
The difference between the almost right word and the right word is really a large matter - 'tis the difference between the lightning-bug and the lightning.
Mark TwainRead
Our knowledge is a little island in a great ocean of nonknowledge.
Isaac Bashevis SingerRead
But when I thought I hit bottom, it started hitting back. There is no bruise like the bruise loneliness kicks into your spine.
Andrea GibsonRead

A little wisdom, now and then

Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.