There are persons of that general philanthropy and easy…
“There are persons of that general philanthropy and easy tempers, which the world in contempt generally calls good-natured, who seem to be sent into the world with the same design with which men put little fish into a pike pond, in order only to be devoured by that voracious water-hero.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Some people are overly generous and gentle, making them easy targets for exploitation, much like small fish placed in a predator's pond.
In simple terms: Overly kind people can be exploited.
Beware of being overly naive.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- business negotiations
- personal relationships
- charitable acts
- social media interactions
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- When does generosity become self‑sabotage?
- How can you protect yourself while staying kind?
Kindness can be balanced with discernment.