--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Sorting gets harder as time goes on--it…" description: "\"“Sorting gets harder as time goes on--it requires a sort of ruthless decisiveness, while indecision results in endless dithering. Five moves, they say,..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/1df/mary-catherine-bateson-11582_age_sorting-gets-harder-as-time-goes-on-it-r_2636387.jpg" --- # Sorting gets harder as time goes on--it requires a sort of… ![“Sorting gets harder as time goes on--it requires a sort of ruthless decisiveness, while indecision results in endless dithering. Five moves, they say, equal a fire. But those who haven't moved may begin to need a fire. [p. 38]” quote by Mary Catherine Bateson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/1df/mary-catherine-bateson-11582_age_sorting-gets-harder-as-time-goes-on-it-r_2636387.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/1df/mary-catherine-bateson-11582_age_sorting-gets-harder-as-time-goes-on-it-r_2636387.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/1df/mary-catherine-bateson-11582_age_sorting-gets-harder-as-time-goes-on-it-r_2636387.jpg) > ““Sorting gets harder as time goes on--it requires a sort of ruthless decisiveness, while indecision results in endless dithering. Five moves, they say, equal a fire. But those who haven't moved may begin to need a fire. \[p. 38\]”” [Mary Catherine Bateson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mary-catherine-bateson/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Decision making becomes harder over time, demanding decisive action; indecision leads to stagnation and missed opportunities. **In simple terms:** Decisiveness prevents stagnation. Key Takeaway Act decisively to avoid endless dithering. Themes decision making time pressure action indecision productivity Mood determined reflective Type motivational practical When to use this quote - career planning - personal projects - emergency response - financial investing Key Concepts psychology behavioral economics Questions to Reflect On - What decisions have you delayed too long? - How can you balance speed with thoughtful analysis? A Different Perspective Decisiveness can cause rushed, poorly considered choices. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Age](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/age/) [Decisiveness Indecision](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/decisiveness-indecision-2231312/) [Indecision](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/indecision/) [Indecision Results](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/indecision-results-2231313/) [Ruthless Decisiveness](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/ruthless-decisiveness-2231314/) [Sort Ruthless](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/sort-ruthless-2231315/) [Time](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/time/) ## Related quotes > [“It's all about being in control of myself as an older woman who lives alone, and it's all about how I am going to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mary-catherine-bateson/it-s-all-about-being-in-control-of-myself-as-an-older-woman-who-lives/) [Mary Catherine Bateson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mary-catherine-bateson/) > [Making the right decision is hard,telling someone your decision is even harder.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/abhishek-tiwari/making-the-right-decision-is-hard-telling-someone-your-decision-is/) [Abhishek Tiwari](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/abhishek-tiwari/) > [“Fear, indecision, not knowing—these are the obstacles that keep you from moving forward. 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