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It's better to be fooled than to be suspicious - that the…

“It's better to be fooled than to be suspicious - that the confidence trick is the work of man, but the want-of-confidence trick is the work of the devil.” quote by E.M. Forster
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““It's better to be fooled than to be suspicious - that the confidence trick is the work of man, but the want-of-confidence trick is the work of the devil.””

E.M. Forster

About This Quote

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

Being deceived is preferable to being suspicious; human confidence tricks are human, but devilish tricks stem from lack of confidence.

In simple terms: Better to be fooled than suspicious.

Key Takeaway

Guard against distrust.

Themes

trust deception confidence

Mood

cautious philosophical

Type

ethical psychological

When to use this quote

  • personal relationships
  • business negotiations
  • online interactions

Key Concepts

human nature psychology

Questions to Reflect On

  • When is suspicion justified?
  • How does confidence influence vulnerability to deception?
A Different Perspective

May ignore legitimate caution.

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