Every step Quote by William Cowper
“Reasoning at every step he treads, Man yet mistakes his way, Whilst meaner things, whom instinct leads, Are rarely known to stray.”
About This Quote
Source Poem: The Task, 1795
The lines describe how even diligent reasoning can be flawed, and instinctual, less noble actions often go unnoticed.
In simple terms: Reasoning can fail; instinct can be hidden.
Key Takeaway
Balance intellect with self‑awareness.
Themes
reasoning
mistake
instinct
Mood
thoughtful
cautious
Type
philosophical
motivational
When to use this quote
- decision making
- personal growth
- leadership
- ethical judgment
Key Concepts
philosophy
human error
cognitive bias
Questions to Reflect On
- When have you trusted instinct over analysis?
- What biases affect your reasoning?
A Different Perspective
It may overgeneralize human behavior and neglect context.
![“When God made Man he made no mistakes, He knew man would make those for himself". ~ R. Alan Woods [2012]” quote by R. Alan Woods](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/b4f/r-alan-woods-1455_failure_when-god-made-man-he-made-no-mistakes-he_1939603.jpg)
![“That country [Carthage] was rapidly sinking into the state of barbarism from whence it had been raised by the Phoenician colonies and Roman laws; and every step of intestine discord was marked by some deplorable victory of savage man over civilized society.” quote by Edward Gibbon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/70c/edward-gibbon-710_barbarism_that-country-carthage-was-rapidly-sinkin_393.jpg)
