Quote by John le Carré
““A man who lives apart, not to others but alone, is exposed to obvious psychological dangers. In itself, the practice of deception is not particularly exacting; it is a matter of experience, of professional expertise, it is a facility most of us can acquire.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Spy Who Came in from the Cold, 1963
Living in isolation can cause psychological harm; deception is a skill learned through experience, not innate talent.
In simple terms: Isolation harms; deception can be learned.
Seek connection, develop expertise.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- remote work
- espionage
- solo projects
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How can isolated professionals maintain mental health?
- What training improves ethical deception?
Isolation may be unavoidable in some roles.