Burn out Quote by William Shakespeare
“Methinks I am a prophet new inspired And thus, expiring, do foretell of him: His rash fierce blaze of riot cannot last, For violent fires soon burn out themselves; Small show'rs last long, but sudden storms are short; He tires betimes that spurs too fast betimes; With eager feeding doth choke the feeder; Light vanity, insatiate cormorant, Consuming means, soon preys upon itself.”
About This Quote
Source Play: “The Tempest” (Act 1, Scene 2), 1611
Passionate, fleeting actions burn out quickly; modest, steady efforts endure longer, while over‑ambition leads to self‑destruction.
In simple terms: Quick flames die fast; steady sparks last.
Key Takeaway
Cultivate steady, sustainable effort.
Themes
ambition
impermanence
moderation
self‑control
Mood
cautionary
thoughtful
Type
literary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- career planning
- creative projects
- personal habits
- risk management
Key Concepts
fire metaphor
hubris
sustainability
Questions to Reflect On
- What ambitions risk burning out?
- How can you balance intensity with endurance?
A Different Perspective
May ignore contexts where bold, rapid action is necessary.
![“When you see those in healthcare who don't get this burn-out, they are very motherly, fatherly, or loving and attentive with the patients. [These] wonderful caretakers, doctors, and nurses don't get as much burn-out as people who are more defensive of the feelings and suffering of others.” quote by Matthieu Ricard](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/aaa/matthieu-ricard-4004_burn-out_when-you-see-those-in-healthcare-who-don_221267.jpg)
![“The reason people burn out is not because people are going hard [after God]; it's because they are working and perusing with the wrong spirit-trying to do it in the eyes of men with the wrong reasons; trying to get into a room you are already in.” quote by Mike Bickle](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/bbe/mike-bickle-11269_burn-out_the-reason-people-burn-out-is-not-becaus_312192.jpg)