--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: My friend was perfectly right, though it…" description: "\"“My friend was perfectly right, though it was not until long, long afterwards that experience of life taught me the evil that comes of thinking — still..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/2e6/leo-tolstoy-55_friendship_my-friend-was-perfectly-right-though-it_666900.png" --- # My friend was perfectly right, though it was not until… ![“My friend was perfectly right, though it was not until long, long afterwards that experience of life taught me the evil that comes of thinking — still worse, of saying — much that seems very fine; taught me that there are certain thoughts which should always be kept to oneself, since brave words…” quote by Leo Tolstoy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/2e6/leo-tolstoy-55_friendship_my-friend-was-perfectly-right-though-it_666900.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/2e6/leo-tolstoy-55_friendship_my-friend-was-perfectly-right-though-it_666900.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/2e6/leo-tolstoy-55_friendship_my-friend-was-perfectly-right-though-it_666900.png) > ““My friend was perfectly right, though it was not until long, long afterwards that experience of life taught me the evil that comes of thinking — still worse, of saying — much that seems very fine; taught me that there are certain thoughts which should always be kept to oneself, since brave words seldom go with brave deeds. I learnt then that the mere fact of giving utterance to a good intention often makes it difficult, nay, impossible, to carry that good intention into effect. Yet how is one to refrain from giving utterance to the brave, self-sufficient impulses of youth? Only long afterwards does one remember and regret them, even as one incontinently plucks a flower before its blooming, and subsequently finds it lying crushed and withered on the ground.”” [Leo Tolstoy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/leo-tolstoy/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Speaking bold thoughts often hinders their realization; youthful impulses lead to regret when actions fail to match words. **In simple terms:** Talking too much can ruin good intentions. Key Takeaway Think before speaking; align words with deeds. Themes self‑control youth regret Mood reflective cautionary Type literary philosophical When to use this quote - political activism - creative projects - personal promises Key Concepts ethics communication personal growth Questions to Reflect On - When should you keep a brave thought to yourself? - How can you turn bold ideas into action? 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