Bad character Quote by Oliver Goldsmith
“When any one of our relations was found to be a person of a very bad character, a troublesome guest, or one we desired to get rid of, upon his leaving my house I ever took care to lend him a riding-coat, or a pair of boots, or sometimes a horse of small value, and I always had the satisfaction of finding he never came back to return them.”
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Vicar of Wakefield, 1766
Describes a cunning way to rid oneself of unwanted guests by lending them valuables they won’t return
In simple terms: Give away items to make troublemakers leave for good
Key Takeaway
Use strategic generosity to remove nuisances
Themes
manipulation
social strategy
hospitality
Mood
cautious
reflective
Type
ethical
practical
When to use this quote
- social gatherings
- conflict resolution
- personal boundaries
Key Concepts
deception
self‑interest
Questions to Reflect On
- Is it ever justified to deceive for personal peace?
- What are the long‑term costs of such tactics?
A Different Perspective
Ethical concerns about deceit and loss of trust
![“[T]here are depths of thousands of miles which are hidden from our inquiry. The only tidings we have from those unfathomable regions are by means of volcanoes, those burning mountains that seem to discharge their materials from the lowest abysses of the earth.” quote by Oliver Goldsmith](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/b7d/oliver-goldsmith-772_abyss_t-here-are-depths-of-thousands-of-miles_88121.jpg)
