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Always Quote by Francesco Guicciardini

“One who imitates what is bad always goes beyond his model; while one who imitates what is good always comes up short of it.” quote by Francesco Guicciardini
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“One who imitates what is bad always goes beyond his model; while one who imitates what is good always comes up short of it.”

Francesco Guicciardini

About This Quote

Source Treatise: History of Italy by Francesco Guicciardini, 1540

Imitating bad models leads to excess, while imitating good models results in falling short, highlighting limits of imitation.

In simple terms: Copying bad leads to excess; copying good leads to shortfall.

Key Takeaway

Seek original insight beyond models.

Themes

imitation excellence limitations

Mood

analytical critical

Type

philosophical advice

When to use this quote

  • education
  • leadership
  • creative work

Key Concepts

philosophy ethics learning theory

Questions to Reflect On

  • When have you exceeded a bad model?
  • When have you fallen short of a good one?
A Different Perspective

Originality may be hard to achieve without guidance.

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