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For want of a naile the shoe is lost, for want of a shoe the horse is lost, for want of a horse the rider is lost.
George Herbert
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Small neglects can lead to significant losses over time.

This quote illustrates how seemingly minor oversights or failures can lead to devastating consequences if not addressed. Each element mentioned—nail, shoe, horse, and rider—represents a crucial component of a larger system, emphasizing that maintaining the small details is essential to prevent larger failures.

Themes

OversightConsequenceDetailsLossSystem

In practice

Example use cases

During a presentation, one might quote this to emphasize the importance of attention to detail.

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Quote by George Herbert | QuoteProject