proverb · Words worth keeping
A person who says it cannot be done should not interrupt the man doing it.
A person who says it cannot be done should not interrupt the man doing it.
Understand the thought
Meaning in plain English
The person declaring a task impossible is asked not to interrupt someone attempting it. The saying favours practical initiative over dismissive commentary.
Example
A team tests a proposed solution while listening to a colleague’s specific concern about its feasibility.
Deeper explanation and when to use it
Doing something does not establish that it will succeed or that every concern is wrong. A useful reading distinguishes unsupported discouragement from relevant evidence and necessary objections. Constructive questions can improve an attempt rather than merely obstruct it.
When to use it
Use this as an editorial reading of the source image, with its stated limits retained.
Keep in mind
Activity is not proof of success or a reason to silence relevant criticism.
An interpretation of the words, not a claim about their earliest origin.
Attribution & collection notes
- Author or tradition
- Traditional
Attribution: traditional - Country attributed
China
A country attribution does not establish the earliest origin.- Historical period
- Date unknown
- Culture
- China