This quote, “Hee that demands misseth not, unlesse his demands be foolish,” essentially means that a person who asks for something will not miss out unless what they’re asking for is unreasonable or nonsensical. The underlying message here is about the importance of clear, reasonable communication and knowing what to ask for.
The first part of the quote “Hee that demands misseth not” suggests that by simply asking or demanding something, one can avoid missing an opportunity. It encourages assertiveness and emphasizes the power of expression – if you want something, you should voice it out.
The second part “unlesse his demands be foolish” adds a caveat to this approach. While it’s important to express your needs or desires, these should also be sensible and realistic. Foolish or unreasonable requests are likely to be rejected or ignored which could lead to missed opportunities.
Applying this idea in today’s world involves striking a balance between being assertive enough to ask for what we want but also being wise enough to know when our requests are unrealistic. This concept can greatly aid personal development as it encourages self-awareness and effective communication skills.
For example, in a professional setting, an employee could use this principle by clearly communicating their career goals and aspirations with their superiors – thus making sure they do not miss out on any potential opportunities for advancement. However, they must ensure these requests are reasonable (asking for a promotion after only one month may seem ‘foolish’).
Similarly in personal relationships too – expressing one’s needs is crucial but those needs have to make sense within the context of the relationship (demanding all your partner’s time may seem ‘foolish’).
Herbert’s quote embodies wisdom about knowing when and how much to ask from others; asserting oneself while keeping expectations grounded in reality – principles still very relevant today.
