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Break Quote by George Eliot

“Duty has a trick of behaving unexpectedly -- something like a heavy friend whom we have amiably asked to visit us, and who breaks his leg within our gates.” quote by George Eliot
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“Duty has a trick of behaving unexpectedly -- something like a heavy friend whom we have amiably asked to visit us, and who breaks his leg within our gates.”

George Eliot

About This Quote

Source Novel: Middlemarch, 1871

Duty can appear unexpectedly burdensome, like a friend who arrives unannounced and brings complications.

In simple terms: Duty may be surprising and heavy.

Key Takeaway

Prepare for unforeseen responsibilities.

Themes

duty unexpectedness friendship burden

Mood

thoughtful cautious

Type

literary philosophical

When to use this quote

  • family life
  • workplace
  • community involvement

Key Concepts

social obligations personal responsibility

Questions to Reflect On

  • When have you accepted a duty that turned problematic?
  • How can you assess the true cost of a new responsibility?
A Different Perspective

Not all duties are beneficial; some may cause harm if accepted blindly.

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