--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: A great statesman thinks several times…" description: "\"“A great statesman thinks several times, and acts; a young lady acts, and thinks several times.”\" — Thomas Hardy" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/0a3/thomas-hardy-410_time_a-great-statesman-thinks-several-times-a_2579924.jpg" --- # A great statesman thinks several times, and acts; a young… ![“A great statesman thinks several times, and acts; a young lady acts, and thinks several times.” quote by Thomas Hardy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/0a3/thomas-hardy-410_time_a-great-statesman-thinks-several-times-a_2579924.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/0a3/thomas-hardy-410_time_a-great-statesman-thinks-several-times-a_2579924.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/0a3/thomas-hardy-410_time_a-great-statesman-thinks-several-times-a_2579924.jpg) > ““A great statesman thinks several times, and acts; a young lady acts, and thinks several times.”” [Thomas Hardy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-hardy/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Great leaders think before acting; young women act then think. **In simple terms:** Leaders think first; youth act first. Key Takeaway Balance deliberation with action. Themes leadership gender roles decision making Mood analytical reflective Type philosophical educational When to use this quote - leadership training - gender studies seminars - career coaching - team meetings Key Concepts philosophy social norms psychology Questions to Reflect On - When to prioritize thought over action? - How do gender expectations shape behavior? 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