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About this quote

What does it mean?
A foolish person tries to do two incompatible things at once and ends up failing at both.
In plain terms
Trying to sit on two stools makes you fall to the ground.
What can you take from it?
Trying to serve two masters often leads to failure.

Where it applies

  • career choices
  • loyalty conflicts
  • business strategy

Putting it to work

  • prioritize goals
  • commit to one path
  • avoid half-measures

Questions to consider

  • When is compromise better than commitment?
  • How do you choose between two good options?

Another view

Sometimes balancing multiple roles is necessary and possible.

More from John Gower

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  2. The beaute faye upon her face Non erthly thing it may desface.

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  3. It hath and schal ben everemor That love is maister wher he wile.

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