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About this quote

What does it mean?
The greatest danger is not zeal but the complacent laziness and loss of confidence that comfort brings.
In plain terms
Complacency and loss of courage are more dangerous than over‑zeal.
What can you take from it?
Guard against comfort‑induced inertia.

Where it applies

  • leadership
  • personal growth

Putting it to work

  • cultivate disciplined habits
  • challenge comfort zones

Questions to consider

  • How do I balance zeal with caution?
  • What signs show I’m becoming too comfortable?

Another view

Zeal can also become reckless if unchecked.

More from Maximilien Robespierre

  1. The secret of freedom lies in educating people, whereas the secret of tyranny is in keeping them ignorant.

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  2. To punish the oppressors of humanity is clemency; to forgive them is cruelty.

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  3. In the system of the French revolution that which is immoral is impolitic, and what tends to corrupt is counter-revolutionary. Weaknesses, vices, prejudices ar…

    Permalink to quote #20

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