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There is an old saying "well begun is half done" - 'tis a…

“There is an old saying "well begun is half done" - 'tis a bad one. I would use instead, "Not begun at all till half done;" so according to that I have not begun my Poem and consequently (a priori) can say nothing about it.” quote by John Keats
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““There is an old saying "well begun is half done" - 'tis a bad one. I would use instead, "Not begun at all till half done;" so according to that I have not begun my Poem and consequently (a priori) can say nothing about it.””

John Keats

About This Quote

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

The quote plays with a proverb, suggesting that without starting, nothing can be judged, highlighting the paradox of assessing unfinished work.

In simple terms: Without beginning, you cannot evaluate.

Key Takeaway

Start before judging.

Themes

proverb paradox creativity

Mood

reflective thoughtful

Type

philosophical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • writing
  • project planning
  • self‑assessment
  • creative blocks

Key Concepts

assessment potential action

Questions to Reflect On

  • What prevents you from starting?
  • How do you measure progress without a start?
A Different Perspective

If you never start, you may never finish.

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