Before thy undertaking of any design, weigh the glory of…
“Before thy undertaking of any design, weigh the glory of thy action with the danger of the attempt; if the glory outweigh the danger, it is cowardice to neglect it; if the danger exceed the glory, it is rashness to attempt it; if the balances stand poised, let thy own genius cast them.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Weigh the benefits and risks of any action before deciding; balance determines whether to act, avoid, or trust intuition.
In simple terms: Consider pros and cons before acting.
Key Takeaway
Act only when benefit outweighs risk.
Themes
decision making
risk assessment
balance
Mood
cautious
analytical
Type
advice
philosophical
When to use this quote
- business ventures
- personal projects
- creative endeavors
- public policy
Key Concepts
ethics
intuition
strategic planning
Questions to Reflect On
- What criteria do you use to weigh risk versus reward?
- How do you handle uncertainty?
A Different Perspective
Risk assessment can be subjective and may miss hidden dangers.