Advantage Quote by Patrick O'Brian
“Two weevils crept from the crumbs. 'You see those weevils, Stephen?' said Jack solemnly. I do.' Which would you choose?' There is not a scrap of difference. Arcades ambo. They are the same species of curculio, and there is nothing to choose between them.' But suppose you had to choose?' Then I should choose the right-hand weevil; it has a perceptible advantage in both length and breadth.' There I have you,' cried Jack. 'You are bit - you are completely dished. Don't you know that in the Navy you must always choose the lesser of two weevils? Oh ha, ha, ha, ha!”
About This Quote
Source Novel: Aubrey-Maturin series, 1970s
Choosing between two seemingly identical options reveals that subtle differences can justify a preference, but sometimes the choice is forced by convention.
In simple terms: Small differences can guide decisions, yet sometimes we must pick the lesser.
Key Takeaway
Accept that not all choices are equal; pick the lesser when required.
Themes
decisionmaking
comparison
convention
military
humor
Mood
reflective
lighthearted
critical
Type
literary
humorous
philosophical
When to use this quote
- naval leadership
- team selection
- ethical dilemmas
- everyday choices
Key Concepts
ethics
perception
strategy
probability
Questions to Reflect On
- When are you forced to choose the lesser?
- Do subtle differences justify preference?
A Different Perspective
Choosing the lesser may ignore better options and reinforce arbitrary rules.
![“Next came the Patent laws. These began in England in 1624; and, in this country, with the adoption of our constitution. Before then [these?], any man might instantly use what another had invented; so that the inventor had no special advantage from his own invention. The patent system changed this…” quote by Abraham Lincoln](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/449/abraham-lincoln-88_adoption_next-came-the-patent-laws-these-began-in_1828.jpg)
