We are slow to believe that which if believed would hurt our feelings.
OvidRead
A new idea is delicate. It can be killed by a sneer or a yawn; it can be stabbed to death by a quip and worried to death by a frown on the right man's brow.
Interpretation
What this quote means
New ideas are fragile and can easily be dismissed or harmed by negative reactions.
This quote by Ovid emphasizes the vulnerability of new ideas in the face of criticism or indifference. It highlights how a single negative comment or dismissive attitude can stifle creativity and innovation, suggesting that nurturing an environment of support and positivity is crucial for ideas to flourish.
Themes
IdeaInnovationCreativitySupportNegativity
In practice
Example use cases
In a team meeting when discussing a new project proposal.
More from Ovid
All quotes →All things human hang by a slender thread; and that which seemed to stand strong suddenly falls and sinks in ruins.
OvidRead
Fas est ab hoste doceri._x000D_ One should learn even from one's enemies.
OvidRead
Be patient and tough; someday this pain will be useful to you.
OvidRead
The end doesn't justify the means.
OvidRead
Most safely shall you tread the middle path.
OvidRead
Similar quotes
Since our problems have been our own creation, they also can be overcome.
George HarrisonRead
What distracts us will begin to define us. We don't need to swing at every pitch.
Bob GoffRead
A man is crazy who writes a secret in any other way than one which will conceal it from the vulgar.
Roger BaconRead
So in war, the way is to avoid what is strong and to strike at what is weak. Water shapes its course according to the nature of the ground over which it flows; the soldier works out his victory in relation to the foe whom he is facing.
Sun TzuRead
The people who say: 'You are what you eat' have always seemed addled to me. In my opinion, you are what you think, and if you don't think, you can eat all the meat in Kansas City and still be nothing but a vegetable.
Russell BakerRead
Productivity is a relative matter. And it's really insignificant: What is ultimately important is a writer's strongest books.
Joyce Carol OatesRead