QuoteProject
Whoever is in a hurry shows that the thing he is about is too big for him.
Lord Chesterfield
ShareWTF𝕏

Interpretation

What this quote means

Being in a hurry often indicates that the task at hand is overwhelming.

This quote by Lord Chesterfield suggests that when someone rushes through their endeavors, it reveals their inability to appropriately handle the complexity or importance of the task. Instead of promoting efficiency, haste may indicate a lack of mastery or confidence in managing the responsibilities associated with the undertaking.

Themes

HurryPatienceInefficiencyResponsibilityMastery

In practice

Example use cases

In a meeting about project timelines, one might say, 'Remember, as Lord Chesterfield said, 'Whoever is in a hurry shows that the thing he is about is too big for him.' Let's take the time we need to get it right.'

More from Lord Chesterfield

Common sense (which, in truth, is very uncommon) is the best sense I know of: abide by it; it will counsel you best.
Lord ChesterfieldRead
Never seem wiser, nor more learned, than the people you are with. Wear your learning, like your watch, in a private pocket: and do not merely pull it out and strike it; merely to show that you have one.
Lord ChesterfieldRead
If you can once engage people's pride, love, pity, ambition on your side, you need not fear what their reason can do against you.
Lord ChesterfieldRead
Merit and knowledge will not gain hearts, though they will secure them when gained.
Lord ChesterfieldRead
Firmness of purpose is one of the best instruments of success.
Lord ChesterfieldRead
Wit is so shining a quality that everybody admires it; most people aim at it, all people fear it, and few love it unless in themselves. A man must have a good share of wit himself to endure a great share of it in another.
Lord ChesterfieldRead

Similar quotes

People think of the inventor as a screwball, but no one ever asks the inventor what he thinks of other people.
Charles KetteringRead
Worry is a way to pretend that you have knowledge or control over what you don't--and it surprises me, even in myself, how much we prefer ugly scenarios to the pure unknown.
Rebecca SolnitRead
He who wonders discovers that this in itself is wonder.
M. C. EscherRead
It is a far worthier thing to read by the light of experience than to adorn oneself with the labors of others.
Leonardo Da VinciRead
Providence is wiser than you, and you may be confident it has suited all things better to your eternal good than you could do had you been left to your own option.
John FlavelRead
Growing up in the place I did I never was aware of any other option but to question everything.
Noam ChomskyRead

A little wisdom, now and then

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