Take special care that thou never trust any friend or…
“Take special care that thou never trust any friend or servant with any matter that may endanger thine estate; for so shalt thou make thyself a bond-slave to him that thou trustest, and leave thyself always to his mercy.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Trusting close allies with critical matters can make you vulnerable and dependent on their goodwill.
In simple terms: Relying on friends for secrets creates risk.
Key Takeaway
Guard sensitive information carefully.
Themes
trust
vulnerability
dependency
estate
control
Mood
skeptical
pragmatic
Type
historical
advice
When to use this quote
- business negotiations
- family inheritance
- legal contracts
Key Concepts
Political strategy
personal security
power dynamics
Questions to Reflect On
- What safeguards can reduce reliance on others?
- When is sharing necessary despite risk?
A Different Perspective
Blind trust can lead to exploitation.