But in our flowing affairs a decision must be made, — the best, if you can, but any is better than none. There are twenty ways of going to a point, and one is the shortest; but set out at once on one. A man who has that presence of mind which can bring to him on the instant all he knows, is worth for action a dozen men who know as much but can only bring it to light slowly.

Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803–1882) American essayist, lecturer, poet

Essay (1860), “Power,” The Conduct of Life, ch. 2
    (Source)

Based on a course of lectures by that name first delivered in Pittsburg (1851-03).