If you work for a man, in heavens name work for him! If he…
“If you work for a man, in heavens name work for him! If he pays you wages that supply you your bread and butter, work for him speak well of him, think well of him, stand by him and stand by the institution he represents. I think if I worked for a man I would work for him. I would not work for him a part of the time, and the rest of the time work against him. I would give an undivided service or none. If put to the pinch, an ounce of loyalty is worth a pound of cleverness.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Loyalty to an employer is valued above cleverness; consistent service outweighs occasional brilliance.
In simple terms: Loyalty beats cleverness.
Key Takeaway
Give undivided service.
Themes
loyalty
work ethic
integrity
service
employment
Mood
reflective
serious
Type
advice
philosophical
When to use this quote
- job interview
- career decision
- employee evaluation
- leadership training
Key Concepts
Moral philosophy
pragmatism
social contract
Questions to Reflect On
- Do you prioritize loyalty over personal growth?
- How can you balance service with self‑respect?
A Different Perspective
Loyalty may be exploited by abusive bosses.