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You can now, if you choose, employ your present success to…

“You can now, if you choose, employ your present success to advantage, so as to keep what you have got and gain honour and reputation besides, and you can avoid the mistake of those who meet with an extraordinary piece of good fortune, and are led on by hope to grasp continually at something…” quote by Thucydides
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“You can now, if you choose, employ your present success to advantage, so as to keep what you have got and gain honour and reputation besides, and you can avoid the mistake of those who meet with an extraordinary piece of good fortune, and are led on by hope to grasp continually at something further, through having already succeeded without expecting it.”

Thucydides

About This Quote

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

Success should be leveraged to maintain gains and reputation, while avoiding greed that leads to overreaching.

In simple terms: Use current success wisely, avoid endless ambition.

Key Takeaway

Preserve achievements, seek honor responsibly.

Themes

success moderation reputation ambition greed

Mood

cautious analytical strategic

Type

ethical pragmatic

When to use this quote

  • career planning
  • financial investing
  • political leadership

Key Concepts

strategic restraint risk management

Questions to Reflect On

  • What limits should you set after a big win?
  • How can you balance ambition with contentment?
A Different Perspective

Even prudent people can become blinded by hope and chase unattainable goals.

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