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.””
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.
Start before judging.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- writing
- project planning
- self‑assessment
- creative blocks
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- What prevents you from starting?
- How do you measure progress without a start?
If you never start, you may never finish.