A rusty nail placed near a faithful compass, will sway it from the truth, and wreck the argosy.

Meaning

This quote can be read as an insight into wisdom. It often revolves around the belief that reflection reveals deeper truths and mistakes teach valuable lessons.

Theme

Themes related to wisdom resonate because they touch daily life. They remind us that every moment can teach something and reflect that people seek clarity and insight.

About the Author

Many popular reflections are credited to Walter Scott, including this one. Their words often comment on themes like wisdom.

Style and Structure

The phrasing is minimalistic, using contrast to focus attention on the core idea.

FAQ

What does this quote mean?
reflection reveals deeper truths.

Why is it popular?
It speaks clearly about wisdom, making it widely relatable.

How can it be applied?
It encourages us to we think before acting.