Gratitude Quote by John D. MacDonald
““Such gratitude! It hurt me to see you lose your professional standing, McGee. Like you were going soft and sentimental. So, through my own account, I put us into Fletcher and rode it up nicely and took us out, and split the bonus right down the middle. It's short-term. It's a check. Pay your taxes. Live a little. It's a longer retirement this time. We can gather up a throng and go blundering around on this licentious craft and get the remorses for saying foolish things while in our cups. We had a salvage contract, idiot, and the fee is comparatively small but fair." "And you are comparatively large but fair." "I think of myself that way. Where did the check go? Into the pocket so fast? Good." he looked at his watch. "I am taking a lady to lunch. Make a nice neat deck there, Captain." And away he went, humming.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Deep Six by John D. MacDonald, 1963
A cynical narrator rationalizes a shady deal, mixing gratitude, greed, and fleeting pleasure while acknowledging moral ambiguity.
In simple terms: He justifies a quick profit despite ethical doubts.
Key Takeaway
Weigh short‑term gain against long‑term conscience.
Themes
greed
morality
short‑term gain
friendship
risk
Mood
cynical
reflective
Type
narrative
dialogue
When to use this quote
- business negotiations
- personal relationships
- risk assessment
Key Concepts
capitalism
ethical relativism
self‑interest
Questions to Reflect On
- What are the hidden costs of quick profit?
- How does gratitude mask selfish motives?
A Different Perspective
The deal may backfire, damaging reputation and trust.
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