Skip to content

This one will be shrewd, I think, and shrewdness is a…

“This one will be shrewd, I think, and shrewdness is a limitation on the mind. Shrewdness tells you what you must not do because it would not be shrewd.” quote by John Steinbeck
Download Open image
““This one will be shrewd, I think, and shrewdness is a limitation on the mind. Shrewdness tells you what you must not do because it would not be shrewd.””

John Steinbeck

About This Quote

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

Shrewdness can become a mental constraint, warning against actions that seem clever but limit broader thinking.

In simple terms: Being overly clever can limit thinking.

Key Takeaway

Balance cleverness with openness.

Themes

caution mindset decisionmaking

Mood

reflective cautious

Type

philosophical advisory

When to use this quote

  • business strategy
  • personal growth
  • creative problem solving

Key Concepts

cognitive bias self‑limiting beliefs

Questions to Reflect On

  • When has caution blocked a good opportunity?
  • How can you test if a “shrewd” choice truly serves you?
A Different Perspective

Over‑cautiousness may prevent beneficial risks.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by John Steinbeck

Explore all 1,589 John Steinbeck quotes

More Psychology quotes

Browse all 56,059 Psychology quotes