Cases Quote by Theodore T. Munger
“Ill-luck is, in nine cases out of ten, the result of taking pleasure first and duty second, instead of duty first and pleasure second.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Philosophy of Business, 1910
Prioritizing pleasure over duty leads to poor outcomes; duty should precede enjoyment for better results.
In simple terms: Duty first, pleasure later, yields success.
Key Takeaway
Place duty before pleasure.
Themes
ethics
decision-making
priorities
consequences
Mood
cautionary
thought‑provoking
Type
philosophical
practical
When to use this quote
- career choices
- financial decisions
- personal habits
- time management
Key Concepts
duty
pleasure
risk assessment
Questions to Reflect On
- When is pleasure a justified priority?
- How does duty shape long‑term fulfillment?
A Different Perspective
Pleasure can be a necessary motivator in some contexts.
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