“To suffer the penalty of too much haste, which is too little speed.”
- 427 BC – 347 BC
- Born in Athens, ancient Greece
- Philosopher, scholar, founder of the Academy
- A student of Socrates, his works include “The Republic” and “The Symposium,” and he had a major influence on Western philosophy with his ideas and philosopher-rulership.
Quote
“To suffer the penalty of too much haste, which is too little speed.”
Explanation
In this quote, Plato warns against the dangers of acting with excessive haste without proper preparation or thought. He suggests that when people rush into decisions or actions without careful consideration, they often end up achieving less than they would have if they had taken the time to plan and act with deliberation. Haste, in this sense, leads to mistakes or inefficiency, effectively resulting in too little speed—that is, the end result is slower or less effective than it would have been had a more thoughtful, measured approach been taken. The “penalty” of haste is that it undermines the very speed or efficiency that one aims to achieve, highlighting the paradox that rushing can actually slow progress.
This idea ties into Plato’s broader view on the importance of reason and temperance. In *The Republic*, he argues that individuals must act in accordance with wisdom and reason, rather than impulsiveness or emotional reactions. Wisdom requires the ability to balance action with careful thought, avoiding the pitfalls of impatience or the pursuit of immediate results at the expense of long-term success or stability.
In modern contexts, this quote serves as a reminder of the importance of patience and planning in achieving success. Whether in business, personal goals, or decision-making, acting too quickly without adequate preparation often leads to inefficiency or failure. Plato’s message encourages a more thoughtful approach, advocating that considered action—rather than hasty decisions—ultimately leads to faster and more sustainable progress.
