"The only way to be sure of catching a train is to miss the one before it"

This quote by Gilbert K. Chesterton is a humorous method of stating that if you wish to be specific of capturing a train, you ought to prepare ahead and show up early. It suggests that if you wait up until the last minute, you may miss out on the train and be left stranded. The quote likewise recommends that if you miss out on the train before the one you wish to catch, you will be more likely to show up in time for the next one. This is due to the fact that you will have more time to plan and prepare for the next train, rather than rushing to make it. Ultimately, the quote is a pointer to plan ahead and be prepared in order to ensure that you capture the train you desire.