--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: There is no talent so useful toward…" description: "\"There is no talent so useful toward rising in the world, or which puts men more out of the reach of fortune, than that quality generally possessed by t..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/403/jonathan-swift-433_assistance_there-is-no-talent-so-useful-toward-risi_925904.jpg" --- # There is no talent so useful toward rising in the world… ![“There is no talent so useful toward rising in the world, or which puts men more out of the reach of fortune, than that quality generally possessed by the dullest sort of men, and in common speech called discretion; a species of lower prudence, by the assistance of which, people of the meanest…” quote by Jonathan Swift](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/403/jonathan-swift-433_assistance_there-is-no-talent-so-useful-toward-risi_925904.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/403/jonathan-swift-433_assistance_there-is-no-talent-so-useful-toward-risi_925904.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/403/jonathan-swift-433_assistance_there-is-no-talent-so-useful-toward-risi_925904.jpg) > “There is no talent so useful toward rising in the world, or which puts men more out of the reach of fortune, than that quality generally possessed by the dullest sort of men, and in common speech called discretion; a species of lower prudence, by the assistance of which, people of the meanest intellectuals, without any other qualification, pass through the world in great tranquillity, and with universal good treatment, neither giving nor taking offence.” [Jonathan Swift](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jonathan-swift/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. He argues that discretion—cautious, modest behavior—allows even the least talented to navigate life peacefully and avoid conflict. **In simple terms:** Being cautious and modest protects you. Key Takeaway Cultivate discretion for smoother social interactions. Themes social harmony humility practical wisdom survival Mood thoughtful analytical Type philosophical ethical When to use this quote - workplace dynamics - family gatherings - public discourse Key Concepts ethics politics human nature Questions to Reflect On - When does discretion become passivity? - How to balance prudence with assertiveness? A Different Perspective Excessive caution can stifle ambition or honesty. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Assistance](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/assistance/) [Called Discretion](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/called-discretion-1470137/) [Common](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/common/) [Communication](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/communication/) [Discretion](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/discretion/) [Fortune](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/fortune/) [Giving](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/giving/) [Lower Prudence](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/lower-prudence-1470135/) [Meanest Intellectuals](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/meanest-intellectuals-1470136/) [Men](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/men/) [Offence](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/offence/) [People](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/people/) [Possessed](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/possessed/) [Prudence](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/prudence/) [Qualifications](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/qualifications/) [Quality](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/quality/) [Rising](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/rising/) [Species](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/species/) [Speech](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/speech/) [Talent](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/talent/) [Tranquillity](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/tranquillity/) [Treatment](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/treatment/) [Universal](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/universal/) [Wealth](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/wealth/) [World](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/world/) ## Related quotes > [“I enjoyed perfect health of body, and tranquillity of mind; I did not feel the treachery or inconstancy of a friend, nor the injuries…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jonathan-swift/i-enjoyed-perfect-health-of-body-and-tranquillity-of-mind-i-did-not/) [Jonathan Swift](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jonathan-swift/) > [Satire, being levelled at all, is never resented for an offence by any.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jonathan-swift/satire-being-levelled-at-all-is-never-resented-for-an-offence-by-any/) [Jonathan Swift](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jonathan-swift/) > [If Julian had flattered himself that his personal connexion with the capital of the East would be productive of mutual satisfaction to the prince…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/edward-gibbon/if-julian-had-flattered-himself-that-his-personal-connexion-with-the/) [Edward Gibbon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/edward-gibbon/) > [Christ is already in that place of peace, which is all in all. 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