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Persons who undertake to pry into, or cleanse out all the…

“Persons who undertake to pry into, or cleanse out all the filth of a common sewer, either cannot have very nice noses, or will soon lose them.” quote by William Hazlitt
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“Persons who undertake to pry into, or cleanse out all the filth of a common sewer, either cannot have very nice noses, or will soon lose them.”

William Hazlitt

About This Quote

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

Those who confront deep corruption either have a strong tolerance or risk losing their own integrity.

In simple terms: Confronting corruption harms the corrupt or the confrontor.

Key Takeaway

Proceed with caution when exposing deep problems.

Themes

ethics integrity corruption

Mood

cautious critical

Type

ethical warning

When to use this quote

  • journalism
  • whistleblowing
  • activism
  • legal reform

Key Concepts

moral courage psychological cost

Questions to Reflect On

  • Are you prepared for the personal cost?
  • When is it worth the risk?
A Different Perspective

Blind exposure can cause personal damage.

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