I look upon the vulgar observation, 'That the devil often…
“I look upon the vulgar observation, 'That the devil often deserts his friends, and leaves them in the lurch,' to be a great abuse on that gentleman's character. Perhaps he may sometimes desert those who are only his cup acquaintance; or who, at most, are but half his; but he generally stands by those who are thoroughly his servants, and helps them off in all extremities, till their bargain expires.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
He argues that the devil’s abandonment is a metaphor for unreliable friends, but true loyalty persists among genuine servants.
In simple terms: He compares unreliable friends to a deserting devil, yet true servants stay loyal.
Key Takeaway
Value and recognize genuine loyalty.
Themes
friendship
loyalty
trust
betrayal
Mood
thoughtful
analytical
Type
literary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- personal relationships
- workplace
- community
- historical context
Key Concepts
social contracts
human nature
Questions to Reflect On
- What defines a true servant?
- How do you differentiate acquaintance from loyalty?
A Different Perspective
Loyalty can be tested by circumstance.