Devil Quote by Francis Bacon
“People have discovered that they can fool the devil; but they can't fool the neighbors.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: Essays, Moral, Political, and Literary, 1625
People can deceive higher powers but not their immediate community, revealing the limits of deception in close relationships.
In simple terms: You can trick the devil but not your neighbors.
Key Takeaway
Beware of overconfidence in deception.
Themes
trust
deception
community
Mood
cautious
reflective
Type
aphilosophical
observational
When to use this quote
- political intrigue
- personal reputation
- legal testimony
Key Concepts
ethics
social dynamics
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you gauge what you can truly hide from?
- What safeguards can you build against neighborly scrutiny?
A Different Perspective
Even the devil is less aware than those nearby.
