More is lost by indecision than wrong decision.
Meaning
Failing to act can be more harmful than making mistakes. This quote encourages taking action rather than being paralyzed by fear of failure.
Best Motivation Quotes with Meaning
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About the author
(106–43 BCE) was a Roman statesman, orator, and philosopher known for his influence on Latin prose and political thought. His speeches and writings on law, ethics, and governance shaped Western philosophy. Cicero emphasized justice, duty, and civic responsibility. He played a significant role in the politics of the late Roman Republic. Marcus Tullius Cicero’s legacy continues to influence law, rhetoric, and political philosophy across generations.
Why This Quote Matters
In these words, Marcus Tullius Cicero speaks to the role of Life and its place in how we grow. Strip away the phrasing and you’re left with this: Failing to act can be more harmful than making mistakes.
This quote encourages taking action rather than being paralyzed by fear of failure. Return to it after setbacks; it reads differently each time. That single shift in attention is the whole point.
How to Apply This Quote in Life
Instead of a resolution, try a single rule tied to Life for seven days. When you slip, restart without shame; Purpose grows through returns, not perfection.
Revisit monthly; the same line will surface new specifics as your life changes. Simple wins here more often than clever.
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