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It is in general more profitable to reckon up our defeats…

“It is in general more profitable to reckon up our defeats than to boast of our attainments.” quote by Thomas Carlyle
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“It is in general more profitable to reckon up our defeats than to boast of our attainments.”

Thomas Carlyle

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Counting defeats teaches humility and growth, whereas boasting of successes breeds complacency and arrogance.

In simple terms: Defeats teach humility; boasting breeds arrogance.

Key Takeaway

Embrace humility by acknowledging failures.

Themes

humility self-awareness growth reflection

Mood

thoughtful inspirational

Type

philosophical motivational

When to use this quote

  • career development
  • personal goal setting
  • team retrospectives
  • educational feedback

Key Concepts

philosophy psychology self-improvement

Questions to Reflect On

  • What defeats have shaped your current strengths?
  • How can you celebrate achievements without becoming complacent?
A Different Perspective

Overemphasis on failures can demoralize; balance is needed.

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