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About this quote

What does it mean?
Fools focus on the future while the wise focus on the present.
In plain terms
Stupid people talk about the past, wise about the present, fools about the future.
What can you take from it?
Focus on the present instead of dwelling on past or future.

Where it applies

  • decision making
  • personal development
  • philosophical discussion

Putting it to work

  • practice mindfulness
  • avoid excessive worrying
  • learn from past

Questions to consider

  • What time period do you focus on?
  • Is planning for the future foolish?

Another view

Planning for the future is often necessary.

More from Napoleon Bonaparte

  1. The strong man is the one who is able to intercept at will the communication between the senses and the mind.

    Permalink to quote #174
  2. The surest way to remain poor is to be an honest man.

    Permalink to quote #176
  3. The spectacle of a field of battle after the combat is sufficient to inspire princes with the love of peace and the horror of war.

    Permalink to quote #173

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