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I feel very strongly about putting questions; it partakes…

“I feel very strongly about putting questions; it partakes too much of the style of the day of judgement. You start a question, and it's like starting a stone. You sit quietly on the top of a hill; and away the stone goes, starting others; and presently some bland old bird (the last you would have…” quote by Robert Louis Stevenson
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““I feel very strongly about putting questions; it partakes too much of the style of the day of judgement. You start a question, and it's like starting a stone. You sit quietly on the top of a hill; and away the stone goes, starting others; and presently some bland old bird (the last you would have thought of) is knocked on the head in his own back garden, and the family have to change their name. No, sir, I make it a rule of mine: the more it looks like Queer Street, the less I ask.””

Robert Louis Stevenson

About This Quote

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

The quote warns that asking questions that seem too provocative can cause unintended chain reactions and affect unrelated people.

In simple terms: Provocative questions can cause unexpected fallout.

Key Takeaway

Think before asking risky questions.

Themes

responsibility communication consequences

Mood

cautious reflective

Type

advice philosophical

When to use this quote

  • public speaking
  • online forums
  • family discussions
  • legal testimony

Key Concepts

social dynamics unintended effects

Questions to Reflect On

  • When does a question become reckless?
  • How can you frame sensitive topics responsibly?
A Different Perspective

Not all questions are harmful; context matters.

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