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About this quote

What does it mean?
Excessive confidence breeds intolerance that makes every issue seem purely black or white.
In plain terms
Strong strength makes him see only extremes and no middle ground.
What can you take from it?
Overconfidence leads to rigid black-and-white views.

Where it applies

  • debates
  • conflict
  • policy

Putting it to work

  • acknowledge nuance
  • avoid extremes
  • seek compromise

Questions to consider

  • Is nuance always necessary?
  • When does strength become blindness?

Another view

Sometimes clear-cut decisions require strong conviction over nuance.

More from William Ewart Gladstone

  1. Gladstone will soon have it all his own way and whenever he gets my place we shall have strange doings.

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  2. I saw in the face of Mr. Gladstone a blending of opposite qualities. There were the peace and gentleness of the lamb, with the strength and determination of th…

    Permalink to quote #46
  3. If there were no Tories, I am afraid he would invent them.

    Permalink to quote #43

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