Augustus Quote by Larry McMurtry
“A man who wouldn't cheat for a poke don't want one bad enough. --Augustus "Gus" McCrae”
About This Quote
A person who lacks the desire to cheat won't be motivated enough to seek a cheat, implying that the drive to cheat reflects a deeper need.
In simple terms: If you don't want to cheat, you probably don't need it.
Key Takeaway
Desire fuels unethical actions.
Themes
ethics
motivation
human nature
Mood
cautious
reflective
Type
philosophical
moral
When to use this quote
- a gambler resisting cheating
- an employee refusing to falsify reports
- a student choosing honesty over plagiarism
Key Concepts
psychology of desire
moral agency
Practical Applications
- Encourage self‑reflection on underlying needs before rationalizing cheating
Questions to Reflect On
- What unmet need might drive someone to cheat?
- Can ethical behavior be cultivated without addressing underlying desire?
A Different Perspective
Some may cheat out of habit or peer pressure, not just desire.
![“He [Caesar Augustus] found a city built of brick; he left it built of marble. [Lat., Urbem lateritiam accepit, mamoream relinquit.]” quote by Suetonius](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/fc9/suetonius-25582_augustus_he-caesar-augustus-found-a-city-built-of_210926.jpg)
