Commitment Quote by Tom Stoppard
““There are no commitments, only bargains. And they have to be made again every day. You think making a commitment is it. Finish. You think it sets like a concrete platform and it'll take any strain you want to put on it. You're committed. You don't have to prove anything. In fact you can afford a little neglect, indulge in a little bit of sarcasm here and there, isolate yourself when you want to. Underneath it's concrete for life. I'm a cow in some ways, but you're an idiot.””
About This Quote
Source Play: Unnamed Drama, 1995
Commitments are fleeting; we often treat them as flexible bargains, allowing neglect and sarcasm while maintaining an illusion of solidity.
In simple terms: Promises are often treated as negotiable and not fully binding.
Recognize the fluid nature of promises.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- personal relationships
- business agreements
- political treaties
- creative collaborations
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you balance flexibility with responsibility?
- When is it okay to renegotiate a promise?
Overlooking consequences can erode trust.