Again, of two who act cautiously, you shall find that one…
““Again, of two who act cautiously, you shall find that one attains his end, the other not, and that two of different temperament, the one cautious, the other impetuous, are equally successful. All which happens from no other cause than that the character of the times accords or does not accord with their methods of acting. And hence it comes, as I have already said, that two operating differently arrive at the same result, and two operating similarly, the one succeeds and the other not. On this likewise depend the vicissitudes of Fortune. For if to one who conducts himself with caution and patience, time and circumstances are propitious, so that his method of acting is good, he goes on prospering; but if these change he is ruined, because he does not change his method of acting.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Success depends on aligning one's methods with the prevailing circumstances; adaptability matters more than a single approach.
In simple terms: Match actions to the times; be flexible.
Key Takeaway
Adapt your strategy to changing conditions.
Themes
strategy
adaptability
fortune
tempering
timing
Mood
reflective
analytical
Type
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- business planning
- personal decision making
- leadership
- risk management
- career development
Key Concepts
political theory
human behavior
causality
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you assess when to change your approach?
- What signs indicate the times no favor your current method?
A Different Perspective
If conditions shift, rigid methods can lead to failure.