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About this quote

What does it mean?
Those with no escape option must fight to win or face death.
In plain terms
If you cannot run away, you must win or die.
What can you take from it?
Commit fully when retreat is impossible.

Where it applies

  • military siege
  • final stand
  • career pivot

Putting it to work

  • making decisive moves
  • accepting risk

Questions to consider

  • When is retreat not an option?
  • What do you do when stuck?

Another view

It glorifies conflict without considering peaceful alternatives.

More from John Gay

  1. My lodging is on the cold ground, And hard, very hard, is my fare, But that which grieves me more Is the coldness of my dear.

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  2. Life is a jest; and all things show it. I thought so once; and now I know it.

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  3. 'Twas when the seas were roaring With hollow blasts of wind, A damsel lay deploring, All on a rock reclined.

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