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About this quote

What does it mean?
People often say things without acting on them.
In plain terms
Words outpace actions.
What can you take from it?
Focus on deeds, not just talk.

Where it applies

  • political promises
  • personal goals

Putting it to work

  • measure outcomes
  • align speech with deeds

Questions to consider

  • How can we hold people accountable for their words?
  • When are words more important than actions?

Another view

Sometimes words are necessary to inspire action.

More from Samuel Langhorne Clemens

  1. Often, the less there is to justify a traditional custom, the harder it is to get rid of it.

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  2. If you don't like the weather in New England, just wait a few minutes.

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  3. 'I once sent a telegram to 12 of my friends saying ALL IS DISCOVERED - FLEE AT ONCE. They all left town immediately.

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