Neither have they hearts to stay, Nor wit enough to run away.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Butler describes people too stubborn to stop and too weak to flee.
- In plain terms
- They stay when they should leave but lack wit to escape.
- What can you take from it?
- Stubbornness traps the weak.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- When should you leave?
- What traps you now?
Another view
Sometimes staying is brave; this targets poor judgment.
More from Samuel Butler
What makes all doctrines plain and clear? About two hundred pounds a year. And that which was proved true before Prove false again? Two hundred more.
Permalink to quote #18 Love is a boy, by poets styled, Then spare the rod and spoil the child.
Permalink to quote #17 To swallow gudgeons ere they're catched, And count their chickens ere they're hatched.
Permalink to quote #16
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