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Confidant Quote by Honore de Balzac

“Rare is the man who suffers no remorse as he passes from the state of confidant to that of rival.” quote by Honore de Balzac
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“Rare is the man who suffers no remorse as he passes from the state of confidant to that of rival.”

Honore de Balzac

About This Quote

Source Novel: Le Père Goriot, Honor de Balzac, 1835

Remorse is absent in those who transition from confidence to rivalry, highlighting a ruthless ambition.

In simple terms: Rivals lack remorse as they become competitive.

Key Takeaway

Beware of losing empathy when ambition grows.

Themes

ambition rivalry remorse

Mood

reflective serious

Type

philosophical cautionary

When to use this quote

  • business competition
  • political campaigns
  • sports
  • personal advancement

Key Concepts

ethical decay psychology of power

Questions to Reflect On

  • Is ambition worth losing compassion?
  • How can one stay ethical while competing?
A Different Perspective

May glorify ruthless behavior without moral reflection.

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