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It is in just such stupid things clever people are most…

“It is in just such stupid things clever people are most easily caught. The more cunning a man is, the less he suspects that he will be caught in a simple thing. The more cunning a man is, the simpler the trap he must be caught in. Porfiry is not such a fool as you think…” quote by Fyodor Dostoyevsky
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““It is in just such stupid things clever people are most easily caught. The more cunning a man is, the less he suspects that he will be caught in a simple thing. The more cunning a man is, the simpler the trap he must be caught in. Porfiry is not such a fool as you think…””

Fyodor Dostoyevsky

About This Quote

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

Cleverness often leads to overconfidence, making one vulnerable to simple traps that expose their hubris.

In simple terms: Smart people can be caught by basic tricks due to overthinking.

Key Takeaway

Stay humble and anticipate simple pitfalls.

Themes

pride intelligence hubris vulnerability strategy

Mood

cautious reflective serious

Type

literary psychological

When to use this quote

  • business negotiations
  • legal defense
  • personal relationships
  • education

Key Concepts

overconfidence psychology human flaw

Questions to Reflect On

  • Are you overlooking simple risks?
  • How can you balance cleverness with caution?
A Different Perspective

Even the clever can be blind to obvious dangers.

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