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39-clues Quote by Gordon Korman

“Why can't you just lie and cheat like the others?" Dan snapped. "Can't you just see that's better than being nice one minute and then turning around and selling us out? It may be very Cahill, but it stinks ! Grace had a saying: Fool me once, shame on you; fool me twice, I'll conk you with this pet…” quote by Gordon Korman
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““Why can't you just lie and cheat like the others?" Dan snapped. "Can't you just see that's better than being nice one minute and then turning around and selling us out? It may be very Cahill, but it stinks ! Grace had a saying: Fool me once, shame on you; fool me twice, I'll conk you with this pet carrier!””

Gordon Korman

About This Quote

A chaotic, morally ambiguous scenario where characters grapple with honesty versus deceit, underscored by a twisted proverb about betrayal.

In simple terms: Moral conflict over lying and betrayal.

Key Takeaway

Ethics versus self‑interest.

Themes

ethics betrayal trust moral dilemma

Mood

ironic cynical

Type

narrative

When to use this quote

  • team dynamics
  • friendship crises
  • literary analysis

Key Concepts

social psychology of deception

Practical Applications

  • Create a personal code of conduct for handling dishonest situations.

Questions to Reflect On

  • What justifies lying in a competitive environment?
  • How does repeated betrayal affect trust building?
A Different Perspective

The quote’s humor may obscure its serious ethical warning.

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