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About this quote

What does it mean?
Not everything that attracts attention or appears valuable is worth pursuing.
In plain terms
Surface allure can be deceptive and not truly valuable.
What can you take from it?
Do not trust appearances when choosing what to pursue.

Where it applies

  • making decisions
  • evaluating opportunities

Putting it to work

  • avoiding scams
  • prioritizing substance

Questions to consider

  • How do you judge true value?
  • What temptations have misled you?

Another view

Sometimes shiny things are genuinely useful.

More from Thomas Gray

  1. No dolphin came, no Nereid stirred; Nor cruel Tom, nor Susan heard. A favourite has no friend!

    Permalink to quote #19
  2. The Curfew tolls the knell of parting day, The lowing herd wind slowly o'er the lea, The plowman homeward plods his weary way, And leaves the world to darkness…

    Permalink to quote #21
  3. What female heart can gold despise? What cat's averse to fish?

    Permalink to quote #18

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