"Oaths will easily break, and sooner turn"

The essence of the quote is that promises, especially those made with great seriousness, can be fragile and easily broken. It's about the inherent volatility and unpredictability of human commitments. No matter how firmly we swear to keep a promise, circumstances and human nature can lead us to break it.

To give you a bit of context, this idea isn't new. Throughout history, people have recognized the fickle nature of promises. Shakespeare often touched on this theme in his plays, reflecting on how easily oaths could be broken due to changing situations or personal weaknesses. In a world where loyalty and honor were highly valued, the idea that an oath could be so easily shattered was both cautionary and realistic.

Now, let's think about a real-life example. Imagine a politician during election season. They make a lot of grand promises about what they’ll do if elected—improve education, lower taxes, create jobs. People believe them because they want change. But when the politician gets into office, things start to look different. They face opposition, budget constraints, and other unforeseen challenges. Suddenly, the promises made so passionately and earnestly start to fall apart. It's not necessarily that the politician intended to deceive, but the reality and complexity of governance make it hard to keep those oaths.

So, how can you apply this wisdom in your own life? For one, be cautious with the promises you make. It's easy to get caught up in the moment and vow something you might not be able to keep. Instead, consider your capacities and circumstances before making commitments. If you’re not sure you can follow through, it’s better to be honest about it from the start.

Let’s dive into a relatable scenario. Picture this: you’re at a family gathering, and your cousin, who’s recently gone through a tough breakup, asks if you can help them move next weekend. In the heat of the moment, wanting to be supportive, you instantly say, "Of course, I’ll be there!" But as the week goes on, your workload doubles, and you remember you’ve got a prior commitment that Saturday. Now you're stuck between breaking a promise and overextending yourself. Both options suck, right? If you had taken a moment to think about your schedule before making the promise, you could have given a more realistic reply—something like, "I’d love to help, let me check my schedule and get back to you."

This kind of thoughtful approach doesn’t just apply to personal commitments. Think about work scenarios too. If you’re a manager, don’t promise your team that a project will be done by a certain date without considering all the factors that could delay it. Setting realistic expectations helps maintain trust and avoids the disappointment that comes from broken promises.

In the end, this quote is a reminder of our human nature. We want to believe in our ability to keep our word, but we’re also subject to change and unforeseen circumstances. Being mindful of this can help us navigate our commitments more effectively and maintain the trust of those around us.

So next time you’re about to make a promise, take a beat. Think about whether you can truly keep it. Your future self—and those relying on you—will thank you.