Abuse Quote by Henry Fielding
“I look upon the vulgar observation, 'That the devil often deserts his friends, and leaves them in the lurch,' to be a great abuse on that gentleman's character. Perhaps he may sometimes desert those who are only his cup acquaintance; or who, at most, are but half his; but he generally stands by those who are thoroughly his servants, and helps them off in all extremities, till their bargain expires.”
About This Quote
Source Novel: Tom Jones, 1749
He argues that the devil’s abandonment is a metaphor for unreliable friends, but true loyalty persists among genuine servants.
In simple terms: He compares unreliable friends to a deserting devil, yet true servants stay loyal.
Key Takeaway
Value and recognize genuine loyalty.
Themes
friendship
loyalty
trust
betrayal
Mood
thoughtful
analytical
Type
literary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- personal relationships
- workplace
- community
- historical context
Key Concepts
social contracts
human nature
Questions to Reflect On
- What defines a true servant?
- How do you differentiate acquaintance from loyalty?
A Different Perspective
Loyalty can be tested by circumstance.
