Football strategy does not originate in a scrimmage: it is useless to expect solutions in a political campaign.
Walter LippmannRead
A rational man acting in the real world may be defined as one who decides where he will strike a balance between what he desires and what can be done.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes the importance of balancing personal desires with practical limitations.
Walter Lippmann suggests that a rational person is one who thoughtfully navigates between their wishes and the reality of their capabilities. This balance requires self-awareness and a practical approach to decision-making, allowing individuals to make informed choices that align with both their passions and the possibilities of the real world.
Themes
BalanceDesireRealityRationalityDecision-Making
In practice
Example use cases
In a motivational speech about personal growth, this quote can highlight the balance needed to pursue dreams realistically.
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The private citizen, beset by partisan appeals for the loan of his Public Opinion, will soon see, perhaps, that these appeals are not a compliment to his intelligence, but an imposition on his good nature and an insult to his sense of evidence.
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