Business Quote by Oliver Goldsmith
“Trade's proud empire hastes to swift decay.”
About This Quote
Source Poem: The Traveller, 1764, Oliver Goldsmith, 1764
Great empires rise quickly but inevitably decline, warning against hubris and overconfidence.
In simple terms: Empires grow fast and fall fast.
Key Takeaway
Beware of rapid success leading to decay.
Themes
history
politics
impermanence
Mood
cautionary
melancholic
Type
historical
political
When to use this quote
- business expansion
- political power
- career advancement
- investment
- urban development
Key Concepts
rise and fall
hubris
civilization cycles
Questions to Reflect On
- What signs of decay do you see in fast-growing systems?
- How can stability be built amid swift success?
A Different Perspective
Rapid growth can mask underlying weaknesses.
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