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About this quote

What does it mean?
The king is witty but unreliable; he speaks cleverly but acts foolishly.
In plain terms
The king sounds smart but his actions are not wise.
What can you take from it?
Judge leaders by actions, not just their words.

Where it applies

  • evaluating leaders
  • trusting promises
  • political observation

Putting it to work

  • verify actions
  • critique rhetoric

Questions to consider

  • Do words match actions?
  • Who do you trust?

Another view

Words can sometimes precede wise actions.

More from John, 2nd Earl of Rochester Wilmot

  1. The Elephant is never won with Anger, Nor must that man, who would reclaim a Lion, Take him by the teeth.

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  2. Were I, who to my Cost already am One of those strange, prodigious Creatures Man, A Spirit free, to choose for my own Share, What sort of Flesh and Blood I ple…

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  3. Great Negative, how vainly would the Wise Enquire, define, distinguish, teach, devise, Didst thou not stand to point their dull Philosophies? Is, or is not, th…

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