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About this quote

What does it mean?
The speaker criticizes a lime for not helping, though the lime is incapable of action and is trying its best.
In plain terms
Blaming something for not helping when it cannot help is unfair.
What can you take from it?
Don't fault others for limitations beyond their control.

Where it applies

  • dealing with limited resources
  • managing unrealistic expectations
  • assessing blame

Putting it to work

  • evaluate capabilities before criticizing
  • accept limitations
  • adjust expectations

Questions to consider

  • Is it fair to expect help from something incapable?
  • How do we judge effort versus outcome?

Another view

The lime cannot understand the criticism or change its nature.

More from Neil Gaiman

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  2. ... the beast made the noise of a cat being shampooed, a lonely wail of horror and outrage, of shame and defeat.

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  3. There was reality and there was reality; and some things were more real than others.

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