the too great care we take of our bodies is the only obstacle to the success of those projects which require rapid decision, and vigorous and determined execution.
 Alexandre Dumas, The Count of Monte Cristo (1845). copy citation

edit
Author Alexandre Dumas
Source The Count of Monte Cristo
Topic success care danger
Date 1845
Language English
Reference
Note
Weblink http://www.gutenberg.org/files/1184/1184-h/1184-h.htm

Context

“Smuggling is a profitable trade, when a certain degree of vigor and intelligence is employed; as for myself, brought up in the mountains, I had a double motive for fearing the gendarmes and custom-house officers, as my appearance before the judges would cause an inquiry, and an inquiry always looks back into the past. And in my past life they might find something far more grave than the selling of smuggled cigars, or barrels of brandy without a permit. So, preferring death to capture, I accomplished the most astonishing deeds, and which, more than once, showed me that the too great care we take of our bodies is the only obstacle to the success of those projects which require rapid decision, and vigorous and determined execution. In reality, when you have once devoted your life to your enterprises, you are no longer the equal of other men, or, rather, other men are no longer your equals, and whosoever has taken this resolution, feels his strength and resources doubled.»” source
Original quote

Meaning and analysis

write a note
report