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Not a deed would he do, Not a word would he utter, Till…

“Not a deed would he do, Not a word would he utter, Till he's weighed its relation To plain bread and butter.” quote by James Russell Lowell
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“Not a deed would he do, Not a word would he utter, Till he's weighed its relation To plain bread and butter.”

James Russell Lowell

About This Quote

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

He refrains from action and speech until he evaluates the moral weight of even simple tasks.

In simple terms: Think before acting or speaking.

Key Takeaway

Assess impact before acting.

Themes

morality reflection deliberation humility

Mood

contemplative serious

Type

ethical philosophical

When to use this quote

  • daily chores
  • business decisions
  • personal relationships

Key Concepts

ethical weighing mindful conduct

Questions to Reflect On

  • When does caution become indecision?
  • How to balance thought and action?
A Different Perspective

Overanalysis can lead to paralysis.

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