There is nothing so fleeting as the memory of benefits received.
Francesco GuicciardiniRead
If you attempt certain things at the right time, they are easy to accomplish - in fact, they almost get done by themselves. If you undertake them before the time is right, not only will they fail, but they will often become impossible to accomplish even when the time would have been right.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Timing is crucial for success; undertake tasks when the moment is right.
This quote emphasizes the importance of timing in the execution of tasks or goals. It suggests that some endeavors may require a specific context or period to be successfully achieved, and attempting them too early can lead to frustration and failure, even if they could have been successful at a later time. Understanding and recognizing the right moment can make efforts feel effortless, while poor timing can hinder progress significantly.
Themes
TimingSuccessEffortOpportunityFailure
In practice
Example use cases
In a motivational speech about goals and aspirations to highlight the importance of timing.
More from Francesco Guicciardini
All quotes →Conspiracies, since they cannot be engaged in without the fellowship of others, are for that reason most perilous; for as most men are either fools or knaves, we run excessive risk in making such folk our companions.
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He who imitates what is evil always goes beyond the example that is set; on the contrary, he who imitates what is good always falls short.
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Let no one trust so entirely to natural prudence as to persuade himself that it will suffice to guide him without help from experience.
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Few revolutions succeed, and when they do, you often discover they did not gain what you hoped for, and you condemn yourself to perpetual fear, as the parties you defeated may always regain power and work for your ruin.
Francesco GuicciardiniRead
One who imitates what is bad always goes beyond his model; while one who imitates what is good always comes up short of it.
Francesco GuicciardiniRead
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