Quote by Samuel Johnson
When a man knows he is to be hanged in a fortnight, it concentrates his mind wonderfully.
Summary
This quote is attributed to the writer Samuel Johnson and suggests that having an imminent and definite deadline or consequence can lead a person to focus and prioritize their thoughts and actions. The idea is that the prospect of impending doom, such as being hanged in two weeks, forces individuals to wholly concentrate their minds on the important matters at hand, leaving no room for distractions or procrastination. It illustrates the power of impending consequences in stimulating a heightened sense of urgency and clarity of purpose.