5.20
Ji Wen used to think thrice before acting. The Master hearing of it said, “Twice is quite enough.”
季文子三思而後行。子聞之，曰：「再，斯可矣。」
Notes
In this dialogue from the Analects, Confucius did not negate the value of reflection, but addressed the potential pitfalls of Ji Wenzi’s ‘thinking thrice’, clarifying the balance between prudent deliberation and decisive action. This embodies the Confucian principle of ‘moderation’ — the golden mean in conduct.
In a world of endless data, Confucius’ lesson endures: Perfectionism is the enemy of progress.
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