There are certain circumstances, which, at the time of…
““There are certain circumstances, which, at the time of their happening, are a kind of riddles, and as every riddle is to be followed by its answer, so those kind of circumstances will be followed by their events, and those events are always the true solution. A considerable space of time may lapse between, and unless we continue our observations from the one to the other, the harmony of them will pass away unnoticed: but the misfortune is, that partly from the pressing necessity of some instant things, and partly from the impatience of our own tempers, we are frequently in such a hurry to make out the meaning of everything as fast as it happens, that we thereby never truly understand it; and not only start new difficulties to ourselves by so doing, but, as it were, embarrass Providence in her good designs.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Riddles‑like events require patient observation; rushing leads to misunderstanding and disrupts natural order.
In simple terms: Patience reveals true meaning.
Key Takeaway
Observe fully before judging.
Themes
philosophy
patience
interpretation
Mood
thoughtful
reflective
cautious
Type
philosophical
advice
When to use this quote
- personal decisions
- historical analysis
- scientific research
- conflict resolution
Key Concepts
causality
temporal continuity
Questions to Reflect On
- What events are you hastening to interpret?
- How can you improve patience in analysis?
A Different Perspective
Rushing can cause misinterpretation and unintended problems.