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Sails Quotes

Adjusting course when the wind won't cooperate.

These sails quotes turn sailing into a metaphor for attitude, most famously contrasting the pessimist who complains about the wind with the realist who simply adjusts the sails. A more technical line explains how sailing's effect depends on arranging sails to the wind's Movement.

The effect of sailing is produced by a judicious arrangement of the sails to the direction of the wind.

Quotes by William Falconer

The pessimist complains about the wind; the optimist expects it to change; the realist adjusts the sails.

Quotes by William Arthur Ward

Wisdom sails with wind and time.

Quotes by John Florio

There is no trophy for the team that sails the most.

Quotes by James Spithill

Emotion Quotes

One ship drives east and other drives west by the same winds that blow. It's the set of the sails and not the gales that determines the way they go.

Quotes by Ella Wheeler Wilcox

We cannot direct the wind, but we can adjust the sails.

Quotes by Dolly Parton

In my grammar school years back in the 1920s I used my ten-cents-a-week allowance for Saturday matinees of Douglas Fairbanks movies. All that swashbuckling and leaping about in the midst of the sails of ships!

Quotes by Beverly Cleary

Nothing beats a private visit to Number Ten or Chequers to take the wind out of rebellious sails.

Quotes by Andy Coulson

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the famous quote comparing pessimists, optimists, and realists here?
It contrasts three mindsets: griping about unfavorable conditions, waiting passively for them to shift, and simply adjusting your own course - the last being framed as the practical, realist response.
Is there a more technical explanation of how sailing works?
Yes, one quote explains that sailing's effect comes from carefully arranging the sails relative to the wind's direction, a practical rather than poetic take.
How does wisdom get connected to sailing in this collection?
One line states that wisdom sails with wind and time, suggesting insight moves and matures the way a ship travels with favorable conditions.
What does the quote about trophies and sailing mean?
It points out there's no trophy for simply sailing the most, implying that effort alone doesn't guarantee recognition or reward.
Where can I find more quotes about adaptability and freedom?
Browse Freedom quotes for more on embracing change and charting your own course.

One quote pairs wisdom itself with sailing, noting it moves with both wind and time, while another wryly points out there's no trophy for the team that sails most. Explore related themes in Freedom quotes.