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About this quote

What does it mean?
Actions teach more effectively than words.
In plain terms
Actions teach better than words.
What can you take from it?
Show rather than tell to influence others.

Where it applies

  • parenting
  • leadership
  • education

Putting it to work

  • model behavior
  • lead by example

Questions to consider

  • Do you teach more by example or words?
  • How do you learn best?

Another view

Sometimes direct instruction is clearer than ambiguous actions.

More from Samuel Johnson

  1. Marriage has many pains, but celibacy has no pleasures.

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  2. Such is the common process of marriage. A youth and maiden meeting by chance, or brought together by artifice, exchange glances, reciprocate civilities, go hom…

    Permalink to quote #85
  3. Knowledge is more than equivalent to force. The master of mechanicks laughs at strength.

    Permalink to quote #82

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