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Decide promptly, but never give any reasons for your…

“Decide promptly, but never give any reasons for your decisions. Your decisions may be right, but your reasons are sure to be wrong.” quote by William Murray, 1st Earl of Mansfield
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“Decide promptly, but never give any reasons for your decisions. Your decisions may be right, but your reasons are sure to be wrong.”

William Murray, 1st Earl of Mansfield

About This Quote

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

Decisions should be swift and decisive; rationales are often flawed and can undermine authority.

In simple terms: Act quickly, don’t over‑explain.

Key Takeaway

Make firm choices, accept uncertainty.

Themes

decision‑making authority law leadership

Mood

analytical cautious thoughtful

Type

philosophical practical

When to use this quote

  • business leadership
  • judicial rulings
  • personal relationships

Key Concepts

pragmatism cognitive bias judgment

Questions to Reflect On

  • When is it wise to explain a decision?
  • How do you handle regret after a choice?
A Different Perspective

Over‑reliance on intuition can lead to errors.

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