---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Those English always say, \"Look before…"
description: "\"“Those English always say, \"Look before thou leap\". But, as is customary with the English, that is looking the wrong way. I say, Ranga, to look before ..."
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/c14/ian-b-g-burns-42431_australia_those-english-always-say-look-before-tho_2860400.jpg"
---

#  Those English always say, "Look before thou leap". But, as…

![“Those English always say, &quot;Look before thou leap&quot;. But, as is customary with the English, that is looking the wrong way. I say, Ranga, to look before thou look. Then, when thou actually looks before thou leaps, thou will have already done the leaping up here, and the leaping will be much easier…” quote by Ian B.G. Burns](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/c14/ian-b-g-burns-42431_australia_those-english-always-say-look-before-tho_2860400.jpg)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/c14/ian-b-g-burns-42431_australia_those-english-always-say-look-before-tho_2860400.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/c14/ian-b-g-burns-42431_australia_those-english-always-say-look-before-tho_2860400.jpg)

> ““Those English always say, "Look before thou leap". But, as is customary with the English, that is looking the wrong way. I say, Ranga, to look before thou look. Then, when thou actually looks before thou leaps, thou will have already done the leaping up here, and the leaping will be much easier, if thou does it at all.””

[Ian B.G. Burns](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ian-b-g-burns/)

## About This Quote

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

A humorous twist on cautionary advice, suggesting that overthinking can preempt action, making the leap easier.

**In simple terms:** Overthinking can prevent action.

Key Takeaway

Act without over‑analyzing.

Themes

caution humor action

Mood

playful thoughtful

Type

advice paradoxical

When to use this quote

- decision making
- risk taking

Key Concepts

philosophy paradox

Questions to Reflect On

- When does caution become hindrance?
- How to balance foresight and spontaneity?

A Different Perspective

Too much caution can cause paralysis.

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