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To relinquish a present good through apprehension of a…

“To relinquish a present good through apprehension of a future evil is in most instances unwise ... from a fear which may afterwards turn out groundless, you lost the good that lay within your grasp.” quote by Francesco Guicciardini
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“To relinquish a present good through apprehension of a future evil is in most instances unwise ... from a fear which may afterwards turn out groundless, you lost the good that lay within your grasp.”

Francesco Guicciardini

About This Quote

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

Avoid giving up a current benefit out of fear of future loss, especially when that fear may be unfounded.

In simple terms: Don't lose what you have because of imagined future threats.

Key Takeaway

We present gains, assess real risks.

Themes

prudence fear decision‑making

Mood

cautious analytical

Type

practical advisory

When to use this quote

  • financial planning
  • health choices
  • relationship decisions

Key Concepts

Risk assessment temporal discounting

Questions to Reflect On

  • What present good are you risking?
  • Is your fear based on evidence?
A Different Perspective

Fear can be irrational and lead to missed opportunities.

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