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"在这个世界上有三样值得拥有的东西:勇气,良好的判断力,以及对于那些说得比写得好的人要谨慎。"

Damon Runyon
Damon Runyon Journalist, Author
Translations
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Quote meaning
The essence of this quote speaks to the idea that in life, three qualities are truly valuable: bravery, practical wisdom, and the ability to be cautious around people who are more eloquent in speech than in their writing.

Historically, this kind of advice might have been shared in a time when rhetoric played a big role in society. Back in ancient Greece, for example, people who could speak well often had a lot of influence. But if their writing didn’t match up, it might indicate they were more about style than substance. Or it might come from a more personal place—someone who's experienced the pitfalls of trusting smooth talkers who don’t back up their words with solid, thoughtful writing.

Imagine this: you’re at a job interview, and the person across from you is incredibly charismatic. They’ve got you nodding along with everything they say, their words are smooth and you’re almost sold on their vision. But then you get a look at their written proposal, and it’s all fluff—no real substance. That’s a red flag, right? It tells you they might be better at talking the talk than walking the walk. This is where caution comes in. It's not just about being impressed by someone’s speech; it’s about verifying if they really mean what they say.

So, how do you apply this in your own life? First off, cultivating courage is about stepping into situations even when you’re scared. It’s about taking risks when needed, like starting that new project or standing up for what’s right even when it’s hard. Good sense is all about practicality—making decisions based on what's realistic and pragmatic rather than what’s ideal or theoretical. And being cautious with smooth talkers? That means doing your homework. If someone’s words sound too good to be true, check their actions. Look at their track record. Read what they’ve written. Make sure there’s consistency.

Think about a story to drive this home. Let’s say there’s a young entrepreneur, Alex. Alex is just starting out and needs a mentor. They meet Jordan, who’s incredibly articulate and convincing. Jordan promises the world and more, and Alex is almost ready to jump in headfirst. But Alex remembers the quote and decides to dig a bit deeper. They find that Jordan’s written work is scattered and lacks the depth Alex was expecting. It raises a red flag. Alex decides to keep looking and eventually finds a mentor whose spoken and written words align. Alex’s business thrives, thanks partly to making a well-rounded choice in mentorship.

In a nutshell, this advice is about balance. Be brave, think smart, and don’t let yourself be swayed by just a silver tongue. That's how you navigate the tricky waters of life and come out stronger on the other side. Simple as that—nothing fancy, just good old-fashioned wisdom.
Related tags
Advice Caution Communication Courage Good sense Life lessons Speaking Values Wisdom Writing
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