When action grows unprofitable, gather information; when information grows unprofitable, sleep.

This quote speaks to the cyclical nature of productivity and the importance of balancing action, learning, and rest. It suggests that when our actions or efforts cease to yield the desired results, it may be due to a lack of necessary information or understanding. In such cases, the best course of action is to pause and gather more information, learn more, and thereby equip ourselves to take more effective action.

However, there’s also a point where gathering information becomes unprofitable. This could be due to information overload, where the sheer volume of information becomes overwhelming and confusing, or it could be due to diminishing returns, where each additional piece of information adds less and less value. When we reach this point, the quote suggests that the best course of action is to sleep, or rest. This allows our minds to process and consolidate the information we’ve gathered, and also replenishes our energy so we can take effective action again.

Applying this quote to today’s world, we live in an age of information overload. With the internet, we have access to an almost unlimited amount of information. However, this can often lead to confusion and paralysis, rather than clarity and effective action. In such cases, following the advice in the quote can be very beneficial. We should recognize when we’ve reached the point of information overload and take a break to rest and let our minds process the information.

In terms of personal development, this quote suggests a balanced approach to learning and growth. It highlights the importance of continuous learning, but also the importance of rest and reflection. It suggests that we should be proactive and take action when we can, but also be willing to pause and learn when necessary, and to rest and reflect when we’ve reached our limits. This balanced approach can lead to more sustainable and effective personal growth.