The vitality of thought is in adventure. Ideas won't keep. Something must be done about them. When the idea is new, its custodians have fervor, live for it, and, if need be, die for it.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Thought needs action to stay alive; new ideas require passionate commitment from their holders.
- In plain terms
- Ideas die without action; you must act on them while you care.
- What can you take from it?
- Act on new ideas while passion drives you.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What idea are you acting on?
- Why do ideas die?
Another view
Some ideas benefit from rest before action.
More from Alfred North Whitehead
There are no whole truths; all truths are half-truths. It is trying to treat them as whole truths that plays the devil.
Permalink to quote #51 Intelligence is quickness to apprehend as distinct from ability, which is capacity to act wisely on the thing apprehended.
Permalink to quote #53 The deepest definition of youth is life as yet untouched by tragedy.
Permalink to quote #50
Related quotes
Nothing, believe me, nothing is more satisfying to me personally than getting a great idea and then beatin' it to death.
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Linus PaulingLinus Pauling quote #4