Beginning before you know what you want to say and keeping…
“Beginning before you know what you want to say and keeping on after you have said it lands a merchant in a lawsuit or the poorhouse, and the first is a shortcut to the second.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Speaking without preparation can lead to costly mistakes, and persisting after a mistake can worsen the situation.
In simple terms: Talk without thinking leads to trouble; staying after makes it worse.
Think before you speak and stop after mistakes.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- public speaking
- business negotiations
- personal relationships
- legal disputes
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- Do you pause to consider your words?
- When should you persist after a misstep?
Stopping early may prevent further damage, but sometimes persistence is needed to correct errors.