Abstain Quote by Josh Billings
“Zoroaster said, when in doubt abstain; but this does not always apply. At cards, when in doubt take the trick.”
About This Quote
Zoroaster's caution to abstain when doubtful is overridden by pragmatic strategy in games, highlighting context‑dependent ethics.
In simple terms: Rules may bend in specific contexts.
Key Takeaway
Apply discretion based on situation.
Themes
ethics
strategy
context
Mood
thoughtful
critical
Type
philosophical
practical
When to use this quote
- gambling decisions
- business negotiations
- ethical dilemmas
Key Concepts
Zoroaster
card games
pragmatism
Questions to Reflect On
- When should flexibility override principle?
- What risks arise from situational ethics?
A Different Perspective
Rigid moral rules can be impractical.
