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About this quote

What does it mean?
The quote suggests persistence is good but advises knowing when to stop trying futile tasks.
In plain terms
Keep trying at first but quit before wasting too much time on something that won't work.
What can you take from it?
Know when to persist and when to walk away from a losing battle.

Where it applies

  • project management
  • relationship decisions
  • hobbies

Putting it to work

  • evaluate sunk costs
  • set limits on effort

Questions to consider

  • When did you quit too soon?
  • When did you keep going too long?

Another view

Some breakthroughs only happen after quitting seems necessary.

More from W. C. Fields

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