--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Though a man has all other perfections…" description: "\"Though a man has all other perfections, and wants discretion, he will be of no great consequence in the world; but if he has this single talent in perf..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/292/joseph-addison-377_common_though-a-man-has-all-other-perfections-a_2271892.png" --- # Though a man has all other perfections, and wants… ![“Though a man has all other perfections, and wants discretion, he will be of no great consequence in the world; but if he has this single talent in perfection, and but a common share of others, he may do what he pleases in his station of life.” quote by Joseph Addison](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/292/joseph-addison-377_common_though-a-man-has-all-other-perfections-a_2271892.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/292/joseph-addison-377_common_though-a-man-has-all-other-perfections-a_2271892.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/292/joseph-addison-377_common_though-a-man-has-all-other-perfections-a_2271892.png) > “Though a man has all other perfections, and wants discretion, he will be of no great consequence in the world; but if he has this single talent in perfection, and but a common share of others, he may do what he pleases in his station of life.” [Joseph Addison](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/joseph-addison/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. A single, practical talent outweighs many virtues if it’s applied wisely; modest abilities combined with discretion can achieve great influence. **In simple terms:** Practical skill plus discretion leads to impact. Key Takeaway Cultivate useful talent and use discretion. Themes virtue practicality influence humility Mood thoughtful balanced Type advice philosophical When to use this quote - career advancement - leadership - community service - personal decision-making Key Concepts human nature social impact personal development Questions to Reflect On - How can you apply your strongest skill responsibly? - What role does discretion play in success? A Different Perspective Talent without discretion may lead to misuse or arrogance. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Consequence](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/consequence/) [Discretion](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/discretion/) [Excellence](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/excellence/) [Life](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/life/) [Men](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/men/) [Perfection](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/perfection/) [Talent](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/talent/) [World](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/world/) ## Related quotes > [Courage that grows from constitution very often forsakes a man when he has occasion for it, and when it is only a kind of…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/joseph-addison/courage-that-grows-from-constitution-very-often-forsakes-a-man-when/) [Joseph Addison](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/joseph-addison/) > [The greatest parts, without discretion as observed by an elegant writer, may be fatal to their owner; as Polyphemus, deprived of his eyes, was…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/joseph-addison/the-greatest-parts-without-discretion-as-observed-by-an-elegant/) [Joseph Addison](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/joseph-addison/) > [The pleasantest part of a man's life is generally that which passes in courtship, provided his passion be sincere, and the party beloved kind…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/joseph-addison/the-pleasantest-part-of-a-man-s-life-is-generally-that-which-passes/) [Joseph Addison](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/joseph-addison/) > [A man with great talents, but void of discretion, is like Polyphemus in the fable, strong and blind, endued with an irresistible force, which…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/joseph-addison/a-man-with-great-talents-but-void-of-discretion-is-like-polyphemus-in/) [Joseph Addison](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/joseph-addison/) > [Cunning has only private selfish aims, and sticks at nothing which may make them succeed. Discretion has large and extended views, and, like a…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/joseph-addison/cunning-has-only-private-selfish-aims-and-sticks-at-nothing-which-may/) [Joseph Addison](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/joseph-addison/) > [There are many more shining qualities in the mind of man, but there is none so useful as discretion.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/joseph-addison/there-are-many-more-shining-qualities-in-the-mind-of-man-but-there-is/) [Joseph Addison](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/joseph-addison/) > [Cunning is only the mimic of discretion, and may pass upon weak men in the same manner as vivacity is often mistaken for wit,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/joseph-addison/cunning-is-only-the-mimic-of-discretion-and-may-pass-upon-weak-men-in/) [Joseph Addison](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/joseph-addison/) > [The head has the most beautiful appearance, as well as the highest station, in a human figure.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/joseph-addison/the-head-has-the-most-beautiful-appearance-as-well-as-the-highest/) [Joseph Addison](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/joseph-addison/) > [Instead of a perpetual and perfect measure of the divine will, the fragments of the Koran were produced at the discretion of Mahomet; each…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/edward-gibbon/instead-of-a-perpetual-and-perfect-measure-of-the-divine-will-the/) [Edward Gibbon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/edward-gibbon/) > [ Forgiveness is the best part of valor...Discretion is easy. 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At the same…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/aishwarya-rai-bachchan/aishwarya-my-parent-s-daughter-has-been-brought-up-with-enough-values/) [Aishwarya Rai Bachchan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/aishwarya-rai-bachchan/) > [The policeman on the beat or in the patrol car makes more decisions and exercises broader discretion affecting the daily lives of people every…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/warren-e-burger/the-policeman-on-the-beat-or-in-the-patrol-car-makes-more-decisions/) [Warren E. Burger](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/warren-e-burger/) ## More by Joseph Addison > [Half the misery of human life might be extinguished if men would alleviate the general curse they lie under by mutual offices of compassion,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/joseph-addison/half-the-misery-of-human-life-might-be-extinguished-if-men-would/) [Joseph Addison](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/joseph-addison/) > [Every wife ought to answer for her man. 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