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You know Quinn?" Macaulay asked me. "Ten minutes ago I was…

“You know Quinn?" Macaulay asked me. "Ten minutes ago I was putting him to bed." Macaulay grinned. "I hope you keep his acquaintance like that - social" "Meaning what?" Macaulay's grin became rueful. "He used to be my broker, and his advice led me right up to the poorhouse steps." "That's sweet," I…” quote by Dashiell Hammett
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““You know Quinn?" Macaulay asked me. "Ten minutes ago I was putting him to bed." Macaulay grinned. "I hope you keep his acquaintance like that - social" "Meaning what?" Macaulay's grin became rueful. "He used to be my broker, and his advice led me right up to the poorhouse steps." "That's sweet," I said. "he's my broker now and I'm following his advice." Macaulay and the girl laughed. I pretended I was laughing and returned to my table.””

Dashiell Hammett

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

A cynical commentary on trusting dubious advisors, highlighting how people repeat harmful choices despite knowing their consequences.

In simple terms: Blind trust in bad counsel leads to ruin.

Key Takeaway

Beware of repeating harmful advice.

Themes

trust irony social dynamics consequences repetition

Mood

cynical wry reflective

Type

dialogue anecdote satire

When to use this quote

  • making financial decisions
  • following peer advice
  • ignoring past failures
  • relying on familiar but unreliable sources

Key Concepts

advisor broker social influence self‑deception

Practical Applications

  • risk assessment
  • financial counseling

Questions to Reflect On

  • What patterns keep you from learning from past mistakes?
  • How does social pressure affect your choice of advisors?
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