Be advised; Heat not a furnace for your foe so hot That it…
“Be advised; Heat not a furnace for your foe so hot That it do singe yourself: we may outrun, By violent swiftness, that which we run at, And lose by over-running. Know you not, The fire that mounts the liquor til run o'er, In seeming to augment it wastes it?”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Excessive force against an enemy can backfire, harming the aggressor and the goal.
In simple terms: Too much aggression harms both sides.
Key Takeaway
Use measured action.
Themes
strategy
self‑control
consequence
Mood
cautious
thoughtful
Type
ethical
strategic
When to use this quote
- conflict resolution
- personal ambition
- leadership decisions
Key Concepts
Temperance
overextension
risk management
Questions to Reflect On
- When is restraint more powerful than aggression?
- How can you gauge the right level of force?
A Different Perspective
Sometimes restraint may be seen as weakness.