Bells call others, but themselves enter not into the Church.
George HerbertRead
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.
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.
More from George Herbert
All quotes →The wine in the bottle does not quench thirst.
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Living well is the best revenge.
George HerbertRead
Be not too presumptuously sure in any business; for things of this world depend on such a train of unseen chances that if it were in man's hands to set the tables, still he would not be certain to win the game.
George HerbertRead
There is an hour wherein a man might be happy all his life, could he find it.
George HerbertRead
Who says that fictions only and false hair_x000D_ Become a verse? Is there in truth no beauty?_x000D_ Is all good structure in a winding stair?
George HerbertRead
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