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However often you may have done them a favour, if you once…

“However often you may have done them a favour, if you once refuse they forget everything except your refusal.” quote by Pliny the Younger
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“However often you may have done them a favour, if you once refuse they forget everything except your refusal.”

Pliny the Younger

About This Quote

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

A favor once given is forgotten, but a refusal is remembered forever.

In simple terms: Refusals linger longer than favors.

Key Takeaway

Think before refusing.

Themes

memory favor refusal

Mood

reflective cautious

Type

advice philosophical

When to use this quote

  • business negotiations
  • personal relationships

Key Concepts

reciprocity social dynamics

Questions to Reflect On

  • Why do we remember negatives more?
  • Can we mitigate this bias?
A Different Perspective

May overstate human memory.

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