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About this quote

What does it mean?
Horses teach princes humility because they do not flatter or spare them.
In plain terms
Princes learn best from horses because they treat everyone the same.
What can you take from it?
Learn from honest feedback even if it hurts.

Where it applies

  • training leaders
  • learning a skill
  • seeking feedback

Putting it to work

  • ride horses
  • seek honest mentors

Questions to consider

  • How do leaders learn?
  • Is honesty always helpful?

Another view

Not all leaders learn well from hard lessons.

More from Ben Jonson

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  3. The players often mentioned it as an honour to Shakespeare, that in his writing, whatsoever he penned, he never blotted out a line. My answer hath been, 'Would…

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