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Clown Quote by George Herbert

“Give a clown your finger, and he will take your hand.” quote by George Herbert
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“Give a clown your finger, and he will take your hand.”

George Herbert

About This Quote

Source Poem: The Temple, 1633

Offering a small concession leads to greater loss; be wary of giving away control.

In simple terms: Small gifts can lead to larger demands.

Key Takeaway

Guard your boundaries.

Themes

trust control manipulation

Mood

cautious reflective

Type

advice warning

When to use this quote

  • personal relationships
  • negotiations
  • leadership
  • sales
  • legal agreements

Key Concepts

Power dynamics psychology

Questions to Reflect On

  • What boundaries have you let slip?
  • How can you protect yourself without appearing unkind?
A Different Perspective

Even a minor concession can be exploited.

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