Bargain Quote by A.E. Coppard
““O, sir,' murmured Sheila, still on her knees, 'please forgive me.' 'Forgive you! 0, la, la, la!' cunningly cried the droll, and strutting like an actor. 'Forgiveness is easy, is it not? O, yes, it is nothing. You are a young woman full of pride. O. yes! - but that is nothing. And full of penitence, and that is nothing, too. Pride is nothing, penitence nothing, forgiveness nothing, but even a bargain in farthings must be paid to be made, and I am a plain business man. What costs nothing brings no balm, and you would not like that, you would not like that, now would you?' (“The Bogey Man”)””
About This Quote
Source Short Story: “The Bogey Man”, A.E. Coppard, 1925
Dialogue explores themes of pride, penitence, and forgiveness as empty gestures without genuine change.
In simple terms: Pride, penitence, forgiveness are empty without change.
Key Takeaway
Seek authentic transformation over hollow words.
Themes
literature
philosophy
morality
Mood
reflective
philosophical
Type
ethical
introspective
When to use this quote
- personal counseling
- conflict resolution
- spiritual practice
Key Concepts
pride
forgiveness
human nature
Questions to Reflect On
- What actions demonstrate true forgiveness?
- How can pride be constructively addressed?
A Different Perspective
Empty gestures may mask deeper issues.
