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Advice Quote by Daniel Finkelstein

“You may wonder why a question of manners has got me so exercised. It's because I believe in a simple rule. If you see a person you know behave unreasonably to someone else, you can bet your last pound that before long he'll be behaving like that to you.” quote by Daniel Finkelstein
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“You may wonder why a question of manners has got me so exercised. It's because I believe in a simple rule. If you see a person you know behave unreasonably to someone else, you can bet your last pound that before long he'll be behaving like that to you.”

Daniel Finkelstein

About This Quote

Source Speech: Oxford Union, 2010

People often mirror the unreasonable behavior they witness, so bad conduct spreads quickly.

In simple terms: Bad behavior spreads through imitation.

Key Takeaway

Model good behavior.

Themes

ethics social influence behavior

Mood

cautionary reflective

Type

ethical social

When to use this quote

  • workplace
  • schools
  • online communities
  • family gatherings
  • public forums

Key Concepts

psychology ethics communication

Questions to Reflect On

  • How have you seen bad behavior ripple?
  • What steps can you take to set a positive example?
A Different Perspective

Some may argue personal agency can break the cycle.

2.9 out of 5 (3 ratings)

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