Catalogues Quote by Ambrose Bierce
“When you have made a catalogue of your friend's faults it is only fair to supply him with a duplicate, so that he may know yours.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Devil’s Dictionary, 1906
If you criticize a friend’s flaws, you should also reveal your own, so they understand you are not above criticism.
In simple terms: Share your faults when pointing out others'.
Key Takeaway
Practice reciprocal honesty.
Themes
humility
accountability
friendship
Mood
reflective
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
advice
When to use this quote
- personal relationships
- team feedback
- leadership coaching
- conflict resolution
Key Concepts
self‑reflection
ethical reciprocity
social dynamics
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you give feedback without sounding judgmental?
- What benefits arise from mutual honesty?
A Different Perspective
People may resist admitting their own faults.
![“Some years ago I was working on some forms which were vase forms with a fairly narrow base, and it was after [Hans] Coper had died that I saw an exhibition of his, a catalogue from an exhibition, and he was showing some forms which were made by cutting and joining a lot of different parts together…” quote by Warren MacKenzie](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/16b/warren-mackenzie-4654_bits_some-years-ago-i-was-working-on-some-for_61245.jpg)
