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About this quote

What does it mean?
Opportunity is framed as a chance to grasp a disappointment, suggesting that chances often lead to bad outcomes.
In plain terms
Taking chances usually leads to disappointment.
What can you take from it?
Expect the worst when seizing opportunities.

Where it applies

  • career moves
  • investments

Putting it to work

  • assess risks carefully
  • prepare for setbacks

Questions to consider

  • Have opportunities disappointed you?
  • How do you weigh risk?

Another view

Many opportunities lead to success, not disappointment.

More from Ambrose Bierce

  1. Once, adj. Enough.

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  2. Opposition, n. In politics the party that prevents the Government from running amok by hamstringing it.

    Permalink to quote #65
  3. Ocean, n. A body of water occupying about two-thirds of a world made for man -- who has no gills.

    Permalink to quote #62

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