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About this quote

What does it mean?
Sterne distinguishes perseverance in a worthy cause from obstinacy in a bad one.
In plain terms
Perseverance is good; obstinacy is bad.
What can you take from it?
Persist when the cause is right, but be willing to let go otherwise.

Where it applies

  • career decisions
  • personal goals
  • ethical dilemmas

Putting it to work

  • evaluate cause value
  • adjust stubbornness when needed
  • seek counsel

Questions to consider

  • How do you tell when persistence becomes obstinacy?
  • When is it wise to abandon a cause?

Another view

Distinguishing good from bad persistence can be subjective.

More from Laurence Sterne

  1. Whistled up to London, upon a Tom Fool's errand.

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  2. Persuasion hung upon his lips, and the elements of Logick and Rhetorick were so blended up in him, - and, withall, he had so shrewd guess at the weaknesses and…

    Permalink to quote #9
  3. He was within a few hours of giving his enemies the slip forever.

    Permalink to quote #6

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