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About this quote

What does it mean?
Human expectations rarely match reality, and surprises are usually unpredictable.
In plain terms
Things rarely happen as we expect them to.
What can you take from it?
Expect the unexpected in life.

Where it applies

  • decision making
  • daily life
  • strategy

Putting it to work

  • prepare for surprises
  • stay flexible

Questions to consider

  • How do you handle surprises?

Another view

Careful planning often leads to accurate predictions.

More from Benjamin Disraeli

  1. Debt is the prolific mother of folly and of crime.

    Permalink to quote #76
  2. The magic of first love is our ignorance that it can ever end.

    Permalink to quote #78
  3. Next to knowing when to seize an opportunity, the most important thing in life is to know when to forego an advantage.

    Permalink to quote #75

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