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Decision making Quote by Bertrand Russell

“When a difficult or worrying decision has to be reached, as soon as all the data are available give the matter your best thought and make your decision; having made the decision, do not revise it unless some new fact comes to your knowledge. Nothing is so exhausting as indecision, and nothing is…” quote by Bertrand Russell
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““When a difficult or worrying decision has to be reached, as soon as all the data are available give the matter your best thought and make your decision; having made the decision, do not revise it unless some new fact comes to your knowledge. Nothing is so exhausting as indecision, and nothing is so futile. A””

Bertrand Russell

About This Quote

Source Essay: The Value of Decision-Making, 1915

The passage advises to gather all information, decide decisively, and avoid endless revisions unless new facts emerge, highlighting the drain of indecision.

In simple terms: Decide once you have data; revise only with new facts.

Key Takeaway

Make informed decisions and stick to them.

Themes

decision-making confidence efficiency psychology

Mood

thoughtful pragmatic reflective

Type

advice philosophical instruction

When to use this quote

  • business strategy
  • personal life choices
  • medical diagnoses
  • legal judgments

Key Concepts

cognitive bias risk assessment commitment

Questions to Reflect On

  • What criteria ensure a decision is truly final?
  • When is it appropriate to revisit a decision?
A Different Perspective

Over‑reliance on initial data can lead to errors; flexibility is still needed.

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