Old man Quote by Dashiell Hammett
““If the Old Man said something was so, then it probably was, because he was one of these cautious babies who'll look out the window at a cloudburst and say, "It seems to be raining," on the off-chance that somebody's pouring water off the roof.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Thin Man, 1934
The cautious observer doubts even obvious signs, fearing hidden dangers, illustrating over‑cautiousness.
In simple terms: Excessive caution can misread reality.
Key Takeaway
Balance caution with confidence.
Themes
caution
perception
skepticism
humor
Mood
witty
reflective
Type
literary
humorous
When to use this quote
- daily decision‑making
- weather forecasts
- financial markets
- personal relationships
Key Concepts
cognitive bias
risk assessment
Questions to Reflect On
- When has caution helped you?
- When has it hindered you?
A Different Perspective
Too much doubt can paralyze action.
