Business Quote by Thomas Paine
“These proceedings may at first seem strange and difficult, but like all other steps which we have already passed over, will in a little time become familiar and agreeable: and until an independence is declared, the Continent will feel itself like a man who continues putting off some unpleasant business from day to day, yet knows it must be done, hates to set about it, wishes it over, and is continually haunted with the thoughts of its necessity.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Revolutionary Era, Thomas Paine, 1790
Delaying necessary but unpleasant tasks creates ongoing anxiety; confronting them brings independence and relief.
In simple terms: Avoiding tough tasks causes stress; face them for freedom.
Key Takeaway
Address uncomfortable duties promptly.
Themes
independence
responsibility
anxiety
Mood
determined
hopeful
Type
historical
motivational
When to use this quote
- government reform
- personal habit change
- project management
Key Concepts
political philosophy
behavioral economics
Questions to Reflect On
- What task have you been postponing?
- How does confronting it change your sense of freedom?
A Different Perspective
Procrastination can lead to missed opportunities.
![“[S]ometimes, when you are a food person, the possible irrelevance of what you are doing doesn’t cross your mind until it’s too late. (Once, for example, when I was just starting out in the food business, I was hired by the caper people to develop a lot of recipes using capers, and it was weeks of…” quote by Nora Ephron](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/d79/nora-ephron-1217_business_s-ometimes-when-you-are-a-food-person-th_980.jpg)
![“If the State does not acquire supremacy over [vast private] enterprises, it becomes their puppet, and they become the real State.” quote by Bertrand Russell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/bad/bertrand-russell-69_acquire_if-the-state-does-not-acquire-supremacy_1379.jpg)