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Broken Quote by Jonathan Swift

“Promises and pie-crust are made to be broken.” quote by Jonathan Swift
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“Promises and pie-crust are made to be broken.”

Jonathan Swift

About This Quote

Source Book: Gulliver's Travels by Jonathan Swift, 1726

Promises are often empty; they are intended to be broken for convenience or advantage.

In simple terms: Promises are meant to be broken.

Key Takeaway

Question promises critically.

Themes

trust deception consequences

Mood

cynical skeptical

Type

satirical critical

When to use this quote

  • political negotiations
  • personal relationships
  • business deals

Key Concepts

Social contracts human nature

Questions to Reflect On

  • Are all broken promises unethical?
  • When is breaking a promise justified?
A Different Perspective

Not all promises are intentionally broken; some arise from unforeseen circumstances.

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