Circles Quote by Bernard Malamud
“Of course it would cost something, but he was an expert in cutting corners; and when there were no more corners left he would make circles rounder.”
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Assistant, 1957
Excessive shortcuts lead to new problems; fixing one issue creates another.
In simple terms: Cutting corners creates bigger issues.
Key Takeaway
Avoid shortcuts that create more work.
Themes
ethics
problem‑solving
consequences
Mood
cautionary
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
advice
When to use this quote
- business decisions
- engineering projects
- personal habits
Key Concepts
systems thinking
trade‑offs
Questions to Reflect On
- When does a shortcut become a larger obstacle?
- Can you identify a “circle” you’ve made?
A Different Perspective
Shortcuts may seem efficient short‑term.
![“Tell them you came, and saw, and looked into my eyes and saw the shadow of the guard receding. Thoughts in time and out of season, the hitchinker stood by the side of the road and levelled his thumb in the calm calculus of reason. [...] Why does my mind circle around you? Why do planets wonder…” quote by Jim Morrison](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/9ae/jim-morrison-1692_bird_tell-them-you-came-and-saw-and-looked-in_18280.jpg)