Decide Quote by William Murray, 1st Earl of Mansfield
“Decide promptly, but never give any reasons. Your decisions may be right, but your reasons are sure to be wrong.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Legal advice, 1760s
Make decisions quickly; over‑explaining can lead to doubt and error.
In simple terms: Decide fast, don’t over‑justify.
Key Takeaway
Act swiftly, trust intuition.
Themes
decision‑making
confidence
communication
Mood
analytical
pragmatic
Type
advice
philosophical
When to use this quote
- business negotiations
- emergency response
- personal choices
Key Concepts
cognitive bias
rationality
leadership
Questions to Reflect On
- When is it essential to explain a decision?
- How does over‑justifying affect confidence?
A Different Perspective
Rushed decisions can be flawed; justification may be needed for accountability.
