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About this quote

What does it mean?
Timing and moderation are the most critical factors in achieving success in any endeavor.
In plain terms
Knowing when to act and how much to do is key.
What can you take from it?
Focus on timing and moderation to succeed.

Where it applies

  • decision making
  • negotiations
  • conflict resolution

Putting it to work

  • wait for the right moment
  • avoid extremes
  • measure actions

Questions to consider

  • Am I acting too soon?
  • Is my approach balanced?

Another view

Sometimes immediate action is needed regardless of timing.

More from Hesiod

  1. The dawn speeds a man on his journey, and speeds him too in his work.

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  2. Gossip is mischievous, light and easy to raise, but grievous to bear and hard to get rid of. No gossip ever dies away entirely, if many people voice it: it too…

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  3. At the beginning of a cask and at the end take your fill; in the middle be sparing.

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