Long customs are not easily broken; he that attempts to…
“Long customs are not easily broken; he that attempts to change the course of his own life very often labors in vain; and how shall we do that for others, which we are seldom able to do for ourselves.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Changing personal habits is harder than it seems; we often fail to improve ourselves, let alone help others.
In simple terms: Changing yourself is hard, helping others harder.
Key Takeaway
Focus on self‑improvement first.
Themes
self‑improvement
habit change
personal responsibility
Mood
reflective
determined
Type
advice
philosophical
When to use this quote
- personal development
- coaching
- therapy
- leadership training
- community service
Key Concepts
willpower
self‑efficacy
social influence
Questions to Reflect On
- What small habit can you change today?
- How can you support others while improving yourself?
A Different Perspective
Self‑change may be impossible without support.