That which we acquire with the most difficulty we retain the longest; as those who have earned a fortune are usually more careful of it than those who have inherited one.
Charles Caleb ColtonRead
...Wizard's Fifth Rule: Mind what people do, not only what they say, for deeds will betray a lie.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Observing actions reveals more truth than listening to words alone.
This quote emphasizes the importance of paying attention to people's actions rather than their words. It suggests that while individuals may verbalize intentions or beliefs, their true character and honesty are revealed through their behavior and choices. Therefore, one should be mindful of deeds, as they often expose underlying truths that words may conceal.
Themes
ActionsTruthDeedsWordsBetrayal
In practice
Example use cases
During a team meeting, you might remind colleagues of this quote to emphasize the value of reliable actions over promises.
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