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To know when to quit. Whether to give up--this is often…

“To know when to quit. Whether to give up--this is often the question facing the gambler. No one is taught the art of walking away. And the anguish of deciding if I should keep playing is hardly unusual. Will I be able to quit honorably? or am I the type who waits stubbornly for something to…” quote by Clarice Lispector
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““To know when to quit. Whether to give up--this is often the question facing the gambler. No one is taught the art of walking away. And the anguish of deciding if I should keep playing is hardly unusual. Will I be able to quit honorably? or am I the type who waits stubbornly for something to happen? something like, for instance, the end of the world? or whatever it might be, maybe my own sudden death, in which case my decision to give up would be beside the point.””

Clarice Lispector

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Knowing when to quit involves confronting fear, uncertainty, and personal values, balancing perseverance with self-care.

In simple terms: Quitting wisely requires self‑reflection.

Key Takeaway

Weigh costs, honor your limits.

Themes

decision perseverance self-care risk

Mood

contemplative serious

Type

philosophical motivational

When to use this quote

  • gambling
  • career
  • relationships
  • health decisions

Key Concepts

existential psychology

Questions to Reflect On

  • When is quitting an act of strength?
  • What does “honorable” mean to you?
A Different Perspective

Too much focus on quitting can undermine resilience.

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