You can shear a sheep many times, but skin him only once.
“You can shear a sheep many times, but skin him only once.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Repeatedly exploiting a resource is possible, but destroying it is irreversible.
In simple terms: You can use something many times, but you can only kill it once.
Key Takeaway
Avoid irreversible harm.
Themes
ethics
resource management
risk
sustainability
consequences
Mood
reflective
cautious
Type
advice
philosophical
When to use this quote
- business decisions
- environmental policy
- personal relationships
- animal welfare
Key Concepts
exploitation
finality
irreversibility
Questions to Reflect On
- What actions in your life are irreversible?
- How do you balance short‑term gain with long‑term loss?
A Different Perspective
Irreversible actions may be justified in some contexts.