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Boss Quote by Marian Keyes

“Devereaux is going with our pitch.” “Hey, that’s just great,” I said superperkily. “Wendell’s or mine?” “Yours.” “But you want to fire me. So fire me.” “We can’t fire you. They loved you. The head guy, Leonard Daly, thought you were, I quote, ‘a great kid, very courageous’ and a natural to do a…” quote by Marian Keyes
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““Devereaux is going with our pitch.” “Hey, that’s just great,” I said superperkily. “Wendell’s or mine?” “Yours.” “But you want to fire me. So fire me.” “We can’t fire you. They loved you. The head guy, Leonard Daly, thought you were, I quote, ‘a great kid, very courageous’ and a natural to do a whispering campaign. He said you had believability.” “That’s too bad.” “Why? You’re not quitting!” I thought about it. “Not if you don’t want me to. Do you?” Go on, say it. 298 ♥elavanilla♥ “No.” “No what?” “No, we don’t want you to quit.” “Ten grand more, two assistants, and charcoal suits. Take it or leave it.” Ariella swallowed. “Okay to the money, okay to the assistants, but I can’t green-light charcoal suits. Formula Twelve is Brazilian, we need carnival colors.” “Charcoal suits or I’m gone.” “Orange.” “Charcoal.” “Orange.” “Charcoal.” “Okay, charcoal.” It was an interesting lesson in power. The only time you truly have it is when you genuinely don’t care whether you have it or not. “Right,” I said. “I’m giving myself the rest of the day off.””

Marian Keyes

About This Quote

Source Novel: The Other Side of the Story by Marian Keyes, 2014

Power is most evident when one is indifferent to it, revealing true agency in detachment.

In simple terms: Power shows when you don't care about it.

Key Takeaway

Recognize when indifference grants freedom.

Themes

power indifference agency choice

Mood

reflective analytical neutral

Type

philosophical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • corporate negotiations
  • career decisions
  • personal boundaries
  • ethical dilemmas

Key Concepts

psychology social dynamics personal autonomy

Questions to Reflect On

  • When have you used indifference to protect yourself?
  • What are the risks of appearing detached?
A Different Perspective

Indifference can be misread as weakness, risking missed opportunities.

3.7 out of 5 (8 ratings)

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