Bold Quote by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
“Write on your doors the saying wise and old, "Be bold! be bold!" and everywhere - "Be bold; Be not too bold!" Yet better the excess Than the defect; better the more than less; Better like Hector in the field to die, Than like a perfumed Paris turn and fly.”
About This Quote
Source Poem: "The Song of Hiawatha", 1855
Boldness is praised, yet excess can be harmful; balance courage with wisdom.
In simple terms: Be brave but not reckless; moderation matters.
Key Takeaway
Seek bold action tempered by prudence.
Themes
courage
balance
wisdom
Mood
thoughtful
inspirational
Type
literary
advice
When to use this quote
- leadership decisions
- personal challenges
- public speaking
- creative risk
Key Concepts
moderation
risk assessment
heroic ideal
Questions to Reflect On
- When does boldness become overconfidence?
- How can you measure the right level of daring?
A Different Perspective
Boldness without restraint can lead to failure.
