And if you expect you'll gain anything from us by your way…
““And if you expect you'll gain anything from us by your way of approachin' us, you're jolly well mistaken. That's all. Good-night.' They clattered upstairs, injured virtue on every inch of their backs. 'But - but what the dickens have we done?' said Harrison, amazedly, to Craye. 'I don't know. Only - it always happens that way when one has anything to do with them. They're so beastly plausible.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Attempting to manipulate others often backfires, revealing the futility of deceit and the inevitability of consequences.
In simple terms: Deceit leads to trouble and exposure.
Key Takeaway
Avoid manipulation; act with integrity.
Themes
deception
consequence
human nature
Mood
wry
critical
Type
literary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- workplace negotiations
- personal relationships
- conflict resolution
Key Concepts
ethics
social dynamics
Questions to Reflect On
- When have you been tempted to deceive?
- What are the long‑term costs of manipulation?
A Different Perspective
Manipulation can sometimes succeed temporarily, making moral choices harder.