I can write a poem in 10 minutes. I like writing songs; I can write songs in 5 or 10 minutes. My concentration seems very short.
Shel SilversteinRead
The Yesees said yes to anything That anyone suggested. The Noees said no to everything Unless it was proven and tested. So the Yesees all died of much too much And the Noees all died of fright, But somehow I think the Thinkforyourselfees All came out all right.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote highlights the importance of independent thinking and balance in decision-making.
In this quote, Shel Silverstein contrasts two groups of people: the 'Yesees,' who accept everything without question, and the 'Noees,' who refuse everything that isn't proven. Both extremes lead to detrimental outcomes, suggesting that critical thinking and consideration are essential for a fulfilling life. The 'Thinkforyourselfees' represent those who thoughtfully weigh their choices and, as a result, emerge better off. This emphasizes that self-reflection and independent thought lead to a more balanced and successful existence.
Themes
Independent ThinkingBalanceDecision-MakingCritical ThinkingSelf-Reflection
In practice
Example use cases
Using this quote during a leadership seminar to encourage independent decision-making.
More from Shel Silverstein
All quotes →i made myself a snowball As perfect as can be. I thought I'd keep it as a pet, And let it sleep with me. I made it some pajamas And a pillow for it's head. Then last night it ran away, But first - It wet the bed.
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Listen to the mustn'ts, child. Listen to the don'ts. Listen to the shouldn'ts, the impossibles, the won'ts. Listen to the never haves, then listen close to me... Anything can happen, child. Anything can be.
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I will not play tug o' war. I'd rather play hug o' war. Where everyone hugs instead of tugs, Where everyone giggles and rolls on the rug, Where everyone kisses, and everyone grins, and everyone cuddles, and everyone wins.
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Pirate Captain Jim "Walk the plank," says Pirate Jim "But Captain Jim, I cannot swim." "Then you must steer us through the gale." "But Captain Jim, I cannot sail." "Then down with the galley slaves you go." "But Captain Jim, I cannot row." "Then you must be the pirate's clerk." "But Captain Jim, I cannot work.
Shel SilversteinRead
Each time I see the Upside-Down Man Standing in the water, I look at him and start to laugh, Although I shouldn't oughtter. For maybe in another world Another time Another town, Maybe HE is right side up And I am upside down
Shel SilversteinRead
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