Thinking well to be wise: planning well, wiser: doing well wisest and best of all.

The aphorism ranks forms of “wisdom” by their proximity to action. Mere good thinking is a beginning—an internal discipline that can produce insight. Planning adds a further layer: it translates thought into intention, structure, and foresight, making it “wiser” because it anticipates consequences and coordinates means with ends. But the highest wisdom is practical: “doing well” joins judgment to execution and ethical or competent performance. The line thus reflects a pragmatic, results-oriented philosophy often associated with business leadership: ideas and strategies matter, but they are ultimately validated by effective, well-conducted action.