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Usually they looked past me hopefully and some even went…

“Usually they looked past me hopefully and some even went and peered into the car to see if the man they really wanted was hiding in there. And it was uphill work examining an animal when its owner was chafing in the background, wishing with all his heart that I was somebody else. But I had to…” quote by James Herriot
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““Usually they looked past me hopefully and some even went and peered into the car to see if the man they really wanted was hiding in there. And it was uphill work examining an animal when its owner was chafing in the background, wishing with all his heart that I was somebody else. But I had to admit they were fair. I got no effusive welcomes and when I started to tell them what I thought about the case they listened with open scepticism, but I found that if I got my jacket off and really worked at the job they began to thaw a little.””

James Herriot

About This Quote

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

The narrator describes being initially met with skepticism, but through effort and humility, he earns trust and warmth from others.

In simple terms: Hard work and humility win over doubt.

Key Takeaway

Show competence and humility to gain trust.

Themes

trust humility professionalism

Mood

empathetic thoughtful

Type

narrative inspirational

When to use this quote

  • medical practice
  • client interactions
  • teamwork
  • leadership

Key Concepts

social dynamics credibility

Questions to Reflect On

  • What actions can turn skepticism into cooperation?
  • How does humility influence professional relationships?
A Different Perspective

May overlook systemic biases that affect trust.

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