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You remember how he would trust strangers, and if they…

“You remember how he would trust strangers, and if they fooled him he would say: ‘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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““You remember how he would trust strangers, and if they fooled him he would say: ‘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.

Blind trust can be more comforting than suspicion, but it also makes one vulnerable to deception.

In simple terms: Trusting strangers feels safer than doubting.

Key Takeaway

Balance trust with healthy skepticism.

Themes

trust deception human nature

Mood

cautious reflective

Type

philosophical advisory

When to use this quote

  • forming new relationships
  • business negotiations
  • online interactions
  • personal safety

Key Concepts

psychology philosophy

Questions to Reflect On

  • When should you question someone's motives?
  • How does suspicion affect relationships?
A Different Perspective

Over‑trust can lead to exploitation.

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