Diamond mines spell ruin oftener than they spell wealth,”…
““Diamond mines spell ruin oftener than they spell wealth,” said Mr. Barrow. “When a man is in the hands of a very dear friend and is not a businessman himself, he had better steer clear of the dear friend’s diamond mines, or gold mines, or any other kind of mines dear friends want his money to put into. The late Captain Crewe--” Here Miss Minchin stopped him with a gasp. “The late Captain Crewe!” she cried out. “The late! You don’t come to tell me that Captain Crewe is--” “He’s dead, ma’am,” Mr. Barrow answered with jerky brusqueness. “Died of jungle fever and business troubles combined. The jungle fever might not have killed him if he had not been driven mad by the business troubles, and the business troubles might not have put an end to him if the jungle fever had not assisted. Captain Crewe is dead!” Miss Minchin dropped into her chair again. The words he had spoken filled her with alarm. “What were his business troubles?” she said. “What were they?” “Diamond mines,” answered Mr. Barrow, “and dear friends--and ruin.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Wealth from risky ventures, especially when encouraged by close friends, often leads to ruin rather than prosperity.
In simple terms: Risky deals with friends can ruin you.
Key Takeaway
Avoid business with friends who push dangerous investments.
Themes
risk
friendship
wealth
ruin
Mood
cautious
reflective
Type
cautionary
advisory
When to use this quote
- family business
- friendship investments
- venture capital
- personal finance
Key Concepts
investment
trust
greed
Questions to Reflect On
- Do you trust friends with money?
- How can you protect yourself from risky advice?
A Different Perspective
Even cautious investors can be misled by trusted friends.