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Now this was one of the things I had been brought up to…

“Now this was one of the things I had been brought up to eschew like disgrace; it being held by my father neither the part of a Christian nor yet of a gentleman to set his own livelihood and fish for that of others, on the cast of painted pasteboard.” quote by Robert Louis Stevenson
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““Now this was one of the things I had been brought up to eschew like disgrace; it being held by my father neither the part of a Christian nor yet of a gentleman to set his own livelihood and fish for that of others, on the cast of painted pasteboard.””

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 speaker criticizes a practice seen as dishonorable, likening it to a father's shameful, non‑Christian, non‑gentlemanly way of earning a living by exploiting others.

In simple terms: Condemning a shameful, exploitative livelihood.

Key Takeaway

Avoid exploiting others for profit.

Themes

ethics honor social class

Mood

critical reflective

Type

moral philosophical

When to use this quote

  • business ethics
  • personal integrity
  • career choices
  • family expectations

Key Concepts

exploitation social stigma family upbringing

Questions to Reflect On

  • Is it ever justified to profit from others' labor?
  • How do family values shape our view of work?
A Different Perspective

Such trades may be socially accepted despite moral concerns.

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