One of the maxims which the devil, in a late visit upon…
““One of the maxims which the devil, in a late visit upon earth, left to his disciples, is, when once you are got up, to kick the stool from under you. In plain English, when you have made your fortune by the good offices of a friend, you are advised to discard him as soon as you can.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
It warns against betraying a benefactor after gaining wealth, urging gratitude and loyalty over opportunistic abandonment.
In simple terms: Don’t discard those who helped you once rich.
Key Takeaway
Stay loyal to those who helped you succeed.
Themes
loyalty
gratitude
betrayal
Mood
reflective
cautionary
Type
ethical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- business partnerships
- friendships
- inheritance disputes
Key Concepts
ethical reciprocity
social contracts
Questions to Reflect On
- What obligations do we owe to benefactors?
- When is ending a relationship justified?
A Different Perspective
The advice ignores complex power dynamics and genuine exploitation.