Tell troth and shame the devil.
Ben JonsonRead
You are not now to think what's best to do, _x000D_ As in beginnings, but what must be done, _x000D_ Being thus enter'd; and slip no advantage _x000D_ That may secure you. Let them call it mischief; _x000D_ When it is past, and prosper'd , 'twill be virtue.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote emphasizes the importance of decisive action over contemplation, especially once a path has been chosen.
Ben Jonson's quote reflects the necessity of committing to a course of action rather than getting lost in deliberation about what the best choice might be. It implies that once you begin something, you should focus on executing it effectively, even if others perceive your methods as questionable at the time. Ultimately, success may transform those actions into virtues that are respected and admired retrospectively.
Themes
ActionDecisionSuccessMischiefVirtue
In practice
Example use cases
In a motivational speech to a group of young entrepreneurs.
More from Ben Jonson
All quotes →We are persons of quality, I assure you, and women of fashion, and come to see and to be seen.
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All concord's born of contraries.
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Queen and huntress, chaste and fair Now the sun is laid to sleep, Seated in thy silver chair, State in wonted manner keep: Hesperus entreats thy light Goddess, excellently bright.
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I know no disease of the soul but ignorance, a pernicious evil, the darkener of man's life, the disturber of his reason, and common confounder of truth.
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Very few men are wise by their own council, or learned by their own teaching. For he that was only taught by himself, had a fool for a master.
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