“ A man must not be precipitate, or he runs over it; he must not rush into the opposite extreme, or he loses it altogether. ”
Charles Dickens, The Pickwick Papers (1836). copy citation
| Author | Charles Dickens |
|---|---|
| Source | The Pickwick Papers |
| Topic | running opposite |
| Date | 1836 |
| Language | English |
| Reference | |
| Note | |
| Weblink | http://www.gutenberg.org/files/580/580-h/580-h.htm |
Context
“There are very few moments in a man’s existence when he experiences so much ludicrous distress, or meets with so little charitable commiseration, as when he is in pursuit of his own hat. A vast deal of coolness, and a peculiar degree of judgment, are requisite in catching a hat. A man must not be precipitate, or he runs over it; he must not rush into the opposite extreme, or he loses it altogether. The best way is to keep gently up with the object of pursuit, to be wary and cautious, to watch your opportunity well, get gradually before it, then make a rapid dive, seize it by the crown, and stick it firmly on your head;”
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