If you do not wish a man to do a thing, you had better get him to talk about it; for the more men talk, the more likely they are to do nothing else.

If you do not wish a man to do a thing, you had better get him to talk about it; for the more men talk, the more likely they are to do nothing else.

πŸ“– Thomas Carlyle

🌍 Scottish  |  πŸ‘¨β€πŸ’Ό Philosopher

πŸŽ‚ December 4, 1795  β€“  ⚰️ February 5, 1881
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This quote highlights the paradox of communication: discussing plans or intentions can sometimes hinder action. People often convince themselves that talking about something is a substitute for doing it, or that voicing concerns may diminish their motivation. It reminds us to be mindful when engaging in conversations that could potentially stall progress or lead to overanalysis, and to recognize when silences or action might be more effective. The insight underscores the power of words in influencing behavior, both positively in clarifying intentions, and negatively when they create doubt or procrastination.

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December 28, 2025

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