I always thought it better to allow myself to doubt before I decided, than to expose myself to the misery, after I had decided, of doubting whether I had decided rightly and justly.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- It is better to doubt before making a decision than to regret the decision after making it.
- In plain terms
- Think carefully before you decide.
- What can you take from it?
- Pre-decision doubt prevents post-decision regret.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How do you know when you are done thinking?
- Is regret a necessary part of learning?
Another view
Excessive doubt can lead to inaction.
More from John, 1st Earl of Eldon Scott
It is better that the law should be certain than that every judge should speculate upon improvements in it.
Permalink to quote #1 I was with you, Mr. Scott-till I heard your argument.
Permalink to quote #3
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