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“First, do nothing inconsiderately, nor without a purpose.”
Deliberate action begins by knowing why an act is being done instead of moving from impulse, distraction, or social pressure.
Source note: Meditations, Book XII, section 20, George Long translation.
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“Well done is better than well said.”
Franklin gives execution priority over impressive promises or intentions.
Source note: Poor Richard’s Almanack.
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“He that can have patience can have what he will.”
The proverb presents patience as a practical advantage in goals that require time rather than immediate reward.
Source note: Poor Richard’s Almanack.
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“Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise.”
The proverb uses the ant as an example of self-directed preparation, turning observation of repeated practical behavior into a lesson about disciplined habits.
Source note: Proverbs 6:6 in the King James Version; the following verses describe the ant preparing food without an overseer.
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“For of course rashness is the note of youth, prudence of old age.”
Voice: Dialogue speaker · Marcus Cato (Cato the Elder)
The contrast assigns different characteristic strengths to stages of life, valuing experience for the restraint and judgment it can develop.
Source note: Cato on Old Age, Shuckburgh translation.
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“Activity does not consist in velocity of change but in constancy of purpose.”
Being busy or changing quickly is not the same as purposeful action; continuity of aim gives activity its direction.
Source note: The Life of Reason; the line appears in Santayana’s analysis of ideas, activity, and sustained direction.