One of the first businesses of a sensible man is to know…
“One of the first businesses of a sensible man is to know when he is beaten, and to leave off fighting at once.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
A wise person knows when they are defeated and stops futile struggle promptly.
In simple terms: Know when to quit.
Key Takeaway
Stop fighting when defeat is clear.
Themes
wisdom
strategy
humility
self-awareness
Mood
reflective
pragmatic
Type
strategic
inspirational
When to use this quote
- business negotiations
- sports competitions
- personal relationships
- career setbacks
Key Concepts
game theory
loss aversion
decision making
Questions to Reflect On
- When have you persisted too long?
- What signs indicate it’s time to stop?
A Different Perspective
Quitting may be seen as failure rather than strategic.