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Debt Quote by Aristophanes

“If a man owes me money, I never seem to forget. But if I do the owing, I somehow never remember.” quote by Aristophanes
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“If a man owes me money, I never seem to forget. But if I do the owing, I somehow never remember.”

Aristophanes

About This Quote

Source Play: The Clouds, 423 BC

People remember debts they owe but forget debts they owe to others, revealing selective memory bias.

In simple terms: We forget what we owe, remember what others owe us.

Key Takeaway

Be mindful of both sides of financial obligations.

Themes

memory finance bias human nature accountability

Mood

reflective critical thoughtful

Type

philosophical observational

When to use this quote

  • personal finance
  • friendship
  • legal disputes
  • business negotiations
  • family lending

Key Concepts

selective recall self‑interest cognitive bias

Questions to Reflect On

  • Do you treat your own obligations differently?
  • How does this bias affect relationships?
A Different Perspective

People may rationalize their own debts, leading to unfair judgments.

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