Had we taken ten sails, and let the eleventh to escape…
“Had we taken ten sails, and let the eleventh to escape, being able to get at her, I could never have called it well done.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Partial success without full achievement feels incomplete; aim for completeness.
In simple terms: Half‑finished efforts aren't truly successful.
Key Takeaway
Strive for complete results.
Themes
achievement
perfection
goal setting
Mood
pragmatic
thoughtful
Type
strategic
philosophical
When to use this quote
- project management
- sailing
- military operations
Key Concepts
Completeness
strategic planning
risk assessment
Questions to Reflect On
- When is a partial win acceptable?
- How do you decide when to stop?
A Different Perspective
Pursuing perfection can be impractical.