Be careful Quote by Francesco Guicciardini
“Be careful how you do one man a pleasure which must needs occasion equal displeasure in another. For he who is thus slighted will not forget, but will think the offence to himself the greater in that another profits by it; while he who receives the pleasure will either not remember it, or will consider the favour done him less than it really was.”
About This Quote
Source Treatise: Political philosophy, 1540
He warns that giving pleasure to one may cause pain to another, leading to lasting resentment.
In simple terms: Favoritism can create hidden grudges.
Key Takeaway
Treat people fairly to avoid future conflict.
Themes
fairness
justice
human relations
Mood
reflective
serious
Type
ethical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- leadership
- conflict resolution
- team management
Key Concepts
reciprocity
social equity
Questions to Reflect On
- How can leaders mitigate unintended resentment?
- What systems ensure equitable treatment?
A Different Perspective
Hard to balance competing interests perfectly.
![“There is no evil in human affairs that has not some good mingled with it. [It., Non e male alcuno nelle cose umane che non abbia congiunto seco qualche bene.]” quote by Francesco Guicciardini](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/596/francesco-guicciardini-20043_affair_there-is-no-evil-in-human-affairs-that-h_1158114.jpg)
![“Keep your eye fixed not so much on what they [people] ought in reason to do, as on what they are likely to do based on their disposition and habits.” quote by Francesco Guicciardini](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/62a/francesco-guicciardini-20043_disposition_keep-your-eye-fixed-not-so-much-on-what_1842454.jpg)
![“[A]s you partake of the world's bill of fare, that's darned good advice to follow. Do a lot of spitting out the hot air. And be careful what you swallow.” quote by Dr. Seuss](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/da8/dr-seuss-1224_advice_a-s-you-partake-of-the-world-s-bill-of-f_6806.jpg)
