--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: There are two great rules in life, the…" description: "\"There are two great rules in life, the one general and the other particular. The first is that every one can in the end get what he wants if he only tr..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/bf2/samuel-butler-823_life_there-are-two-great-rules-in-life-the-on_3204006.jpg" --- # There are two great rules in life, the one general and the… ![“There are two great rules in life, the one general and the other particular. The first is that every one can in the end get what he wants if he only tries. This is the general rule. The particular rule is that every individual is more or less of an exception to the rule.” quote by Samuel Butler](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/bf2/samuel-butler-823_life_there-are-two-great-rules-in-life-the-on_3204006.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/bf2/samuel-butler-823_life_there-are-two-great-rules-in-life-the-on_3204006.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/bf2/samuel-butler-823_life_there-are-two-great-rules-in-life-the-on_3204006.jpg) > “There are two great rules in life, the one general and the other particular. The first is that every one can in the end get what he wants if he only tries. This is the general rule. The particular rule is that every individual is more or less of an exception to the rule.” [Samuel Butler](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/samuel-butler/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. General rule: effort can achieve desires; particular rule: individuals often deviate from this pattern. **In simple terms:** Hard work can bring goals, but people differ. Key Takeaway Work hard, but recognize exceptions. Themes effort individuality expectations Mood realistic thoughtful Type advice analytical When to use this quote - career planning - personal goals - education - health pursuits Key Concepts human nature probability Questions to Reflect On - Are there limits to effort? - How do exceptions shape expectations? A Different Perspective Not everyone can achieve everything despite effort. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [General Rule](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/general-rule-601615/) [Great Rules](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/great-rules-5007054/) [Life](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/life/) [Particular Rule](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/particular-rule-2027699/) [Rule](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/rule/) [Rule Particular](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/rule-particular-4840798/) [Rules](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/rules/) [Rules In Life](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/rules-in-life/) ## Related quotes > [There are two great rules of life; the one general and the other particular. 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