Never have anything to do with an unlucky place, or an…
“Never have anything to do with an unlucky place, or an unlucky man. I have seen many clever men, very clever men, who had not shoes to their feet. I never act with them. Their advice sounds very well, but they cannot get on themselves; and if they cannot do good to themselves, how can they do good to me?”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Warns against associating with unlucky or ineffective people, as their flaws hinder mutual benefit.
In simple terms: Avoid unlucky or incompetent companions.
Key Takeaway
Choose reliable, capable partners.
Themes
trust
fortune
association
Mood
cautious
pragmatic
Type
advice
philosophical
When to use this quote
- business ventures
- friendships
- team projects
Key Concepts
social capital
personal responsibility
Questions to Reflect On
- How do I assess someone's reliability?
- Can I help an unlucky person improve?
A Different Perspective
Not all misfortune is personal; circumstances vary.