First step Quote by Terry Pratchett
““The path to wisdom does, in fact, begin with a single step. Where people go wrong is in ignoring all the thousands of other steps that come after it. They make the single step of deciding to become one with the universe, and for some reason forget to take the logical next step of living for seventy years on a mountain and a daily bowl of rice and yak-butter tea that would give it any kind of meaning. While evidence says that the road to Hell is paved with good intentions, they’re probably all on first steps.””
About This Quote
Source Book: Discworld series, various novels, 1990s
Wisdom requires not just an initial commitment but continual, practical effort; neglecting later steps undermines the initial intention.
In simple terms: Wisdom needs ongoing effort, not just a first step.
Keep acting beyond the first decision.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- personal development
- spiritual practice
- long‑term projects
- daily discipline
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- What practical steps follow your initial commitment?
- How do you maintain momentum over years?
First steps are easy; sustaining them is the real challenge.