This quote suggests that when the public, or collective society, spends a considerable amount of time contemplating or deliberating on a matter, it tends to arrive at the correct or most rational conclusion. The underlying assumption is that with time comes clarity and wisdom. This idea hinges on the belief in collective intelligence – that groups of people pooling their knowledge and perspectives can make more accurate decisions than individuals alone.
In today’s world, this concept could be applied to democratic processes like voting. When citizens are given ample time to consider candidates and issues before casting their votes, they are more likely to make informed decisions that reflect their best interests and those of society at large.
However, it’s important to note that for this process to work effectively, access to accurate information is crucial. In an era where misinformation can spread rapidly through social media platforms, taking time for critical thinking becomes even more essential.
In terms of personal development, this quote encourages patience in decision-making. Rather than rushing into choices based on immediate emotions or incomplete information, one should take time for thoughtful consideration and analysis. Over time we develop better judgment skills which can lead us towards right decisions in our personal lives as well as contribute constructively in societal matters.
The caveat here though is that ‘thinking long’ does not necessarily mean overthinking which could lead into analysis paralysis – a situation where one gets stuck in decision making due to over-analyzing or overthinking about it without ever taking action.
