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It was my fault, she sobbed, and it was true, no one could…

“It was my fault, she sobbed, and it was true, no one could deny it, but it is also true, if this brings her any consolation, that if, before every action, we were to begin by weighing up the consequences, thinking about them in earnest, first the immediate consequences, then the probable, then the…” quote by José Saramago
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““It was my fault, she sobbed, and it was true, no one could deny it, but it is also true, if this brings her any consolation, that if, before every action, we were to begin by weighing up the consequences, thinking about them in earnest, first the immediate consequences, then the probable, then the possible, then the imaginable ones, we should never move beyond the point where our first thought brought us to a halt””

José Saramago

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 urges careful deliberation of consequences before acting, suggesting that endless weighing can paralyze decision‑making.

In simple terms: Think before you act, or you may never act.

Key Takeaway

Avoid analysis paralysis.

Themes

ethics decision‑making consequences

Mood

reflective cautious

Type

advice philosophical

When to use this quote

  • personal choices
  • policy planning
  • business strategy
  • ethical dilemmas

Key Concepts

philosophy responsibility risk assessment

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you balance caution with decisiveness?
  • When is it okay to act despite uncertainty?
A Different Perspective

Over‑thinking can prevent necessary action.

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