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About this quote

What does it mean?
Obsessing over trivial matters often reduces one's capacity for significant tasks.
In plain terms
Focusing too much on small things makes you unable to handle big ones.
What can you take from it?
Prioritize important tasks over trivial details to maintain effectiveness.

Where it applies

  • workplace management
  • study habits
  • project planning

Putting it to work

  • delegate minor tasks
  • set clear priorities
  • avoid micromanagement

Questions to consider

  • What tasks are you neglecting due to busywork?
  • How do you define small versus big tasks?

Another view

Sometimes small details are critical to preventing larger failures.

More from Francois de La Rochefoucauld

  1. L'interet parle toutes sortes de langues, et joue toutes sortes de personnages, meme celui de desinteresse.

    Permalink to quote #16
  2. L'homme croit souvent se conduire lorsqu'il est conduit; et pendant que par son esprit il tend a un but, son coeur l'entraine insensiblement a un autre.

    Permalink to quote #18
  3. Nous promettons selon nos esperances, et nous tenons selon nos craintes.

    Permalink to quote #15

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