Language Quote by David Liss
![“You have my word as a gentleman." [The other man remarks that he is not a gentleman and he retorts] "Then you have my word as a scoundrel, which, I know, opens up a rather confusing paradox that I have neither the time nor inclination to disentangle.” quote by David Liss](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/a80/david-liss-15946_language_you-have-my-word-as-a-gentleman-the-othe_486607.jpg)
““You have my word as a gentleman." [The other man remarks that he is not a gentleman and he retorts] "Then you have my word as a scoundrel, which, I know, opens up a rather confusing paradox that I have neither the time nor inclination to disentangle.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: Fictional Dialogue, 2015
The speaker humorously contrasts honor and deceit, highlighting the paradox of maintaining integrity while acknowledging moral ambiguity.
In simple terms: Honesty and dishonesty can coexist in complex situations.
Key Takeaway
Recognize the gray areas of moral choices.
Themes
honor
paradox
morality
Mood
wry
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
literary
When to use this quote
- legal negotiations
- political strategy
- personal relationships
- conflict resolution
Key Concepts
ethical relativism
social contracts
humor
Questions to Reflect On
- When is it acceptable to compromise integrity?
- How does paradox affect decision‑making?
A Different Perspective
Moral flexibility can erode trust if overused.
![“What had passed between them had been real and true and lived. Not like the silly infatuation she had felt for [him] when she was 16, or the foolish attraction she’d felt. Theirs had been a true love. Forged and built and earned.” quote by David Liss](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/140/david-liss-15946_infatuation_what-had-passed-between-them-had-been-re_475583.jpg)
