All his life he [the American] jumps into the train after it has started and jumps out before it has stopped; and he never once gets left behind, or breaks a leg.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Americans are depicted as constantly rushing and changing pace, yet managing to avoid serious consequences.
- In plain terms
- People often act hastily but somehow avoid getting hurt.
- What can you take from it?
- Haste without disaster is luck, not skill.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- When has rushing led to problems?
- Is speed always worth the potential cost?
Another view
It dismisses the real costs of chronic rushing and stress.
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