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Blunders Quote by Victor Hugo

“Great blunders are often made, like large ropes, of a multitude of fibers. Take the cable thread by thread, take separately all the little determining motives, you break them one after another, and you say: that is all! Wind them and twist them together, they become an enormity.” quote by Victor Hugo
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“Great blunders are often made, like large ropes, of a multitude of fibers. Take the cable thread by thread, take separately all the little determining motives, you break them one after another, and you say: that is all! Wind them and twist them together, they become an enormity.”

Victor Hugo

About This Quote

Source Book: Les Misérables by Victor Hugo, 1862

Complex problems consist of many small causes; addressing each individually can seem to solve the whole, but recombining them creates a larger issue.

In simple terms: Small causes add up to big problems.

Key Takeaway

Analyze and address root causes, not just symptoms.

Themes

complexity cause and effect systems thinking

Mood

thoughtful analytical

Type

strategic insightful

When to use this quote

  • project management
  • policy design
  • conflict resolution
  • organizational change

Key Concepts

systems theory emergent behavior

Questions to Reflect On

  • What hidden interactions might you be missing?
  • How can you address the system as a whole?
A Different Perspective

Focusing on isolated details may overlook how they interact to form larger challenges.

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