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Sooner mayest thou trust thy pocket to a pickpocket than…

“Sooner mayest thou trust thy pocket to a pickpocket than give loyal friendship to the man who boasts of eyes to the heart never mounts in dew! Only when man weeps he should be alone, not because tears are weak, but they should be secret. Tears are akin to prayer,--Pharisees parade prayers…” quote by Edward Bulwer-Lytton, 1st Baron Lytton
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“Sooner mayest thou trust thy pocket to a pickpocket than give loyal friendship to the man who boasts of eyes to the heart never mounts in dew! Only when man weeps he should be alone, not because tears are weak, but they should be secret. Tears are akin to prayer,--Pharisees parade prayers, imposters parade tears.”

Edward Bulwer-Lytton, 1st Baron Lytton

About This Quote

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

Trust is more easily placed in a thief than in a boastful friend; genuine emotion should be private, not displayed for show.

In simple terms: Loyalty is rare; true feelings stay hidden.

Key Takeaway

Guard your trust and keep sincere emotions private.

Themes

trust friendship emotions privacy

Mood

cautious reflective

Type

advice philosophical

When to use this quote

  • personal relationships
  • conflict resolution
  • emotional health

Key Concepts

authenticity vulnerability social perception

Questions to Reflect On

  • Do you reveal your true feelings to others?
  • How do you assess a friend's sincerity?
A Different Perspective

People may misuse trust, and secrecy can breed isolation.

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