His head was always most valuable when he had lost it. In such moments he put two and two together and made four million.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Desperation or loss of control can sometimes lead to unexpected clarity and high-value insight.
- In plain terms
- People sometimes make brilliant connections when they feel they have lost control.
- What can you take from it?
- Don't dismiss moments of panic; they might spark breakthrough ideas.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Can stress improve thinking?
- Have you found clarity in chaos?
Another view
Not all panic leads to genius; some leads to ruin.
More from Gilbert Keith Chesterton
If you know what a man's doing, get in front of him; but if you want to guess what he's doing keep behind him.
Permalink to quote #137 Silver is sometimes more valuable than gold, that is, in large quantities.
Permalink to quote #139 The most incredible thing about miracles is that they happen.
Permalink to quote #136
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