Never trust a man whom you know to have acted like a…
“Never trust a man whom you know to have acted like a scoundrel to others, whatever friendliness he may profess to feel towards yourself, however plausible he may be, or however kindly he may behave; be sure that, the moment he has anything to gain by so doing, he will "throw you over."”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Beware of people who hide malicious intent behind friendly behavior; they will betray you when it benefits them.
In simple terms: Friendly people can be deceitful when it serves them.
Key Takeaway
Trust actions, not words.
Themes
trust
betrayal
deception
relationships
Mood
cautious
skeptical
Type
advice
warning
When to use this quote
- friendships
- workplace
- political alliances
- online interactions
Key Concepts
human nature
self‑interest
social psychology
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you verify someone's motives?
- What signs indicate hidden agendas?
A Different Perspective
Even kind behavior may mask ulterior motives; stay vigilant.