Beware of endeavouring to become a great man in a hurry. One such attempt in ten thousand may succeed: these are fearful odds.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Trying to achieve greatness quickly is likely to fail given the long odds.
- In plain terms
- Becoming a great man quickly is very unlikely to work.
- What can you take from it?
- Accept that meaningful success usually takes time.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How fast do you expect to succeed?
- What defines greatness for you?
Another view
Some rapid successes do occur through unique circumstances.
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The Services in war time are fit only for desperadoes but, in peace, are fit only for fools.
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