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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…” quote by Tom Stoppard
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““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.””

Tom Stoppard

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.

Key Takeaway

Recognize the fluid nature of promises.

Themes

philosophy human nature commitment

Mood

reflective critical

Type

theatrical philosophical

When to use this quote

  • personal relationships
  • business agreements
  • political treaties
  • creative collaborations

Key Concepts

existentialism psychology social contracts

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you balance flexibility with responsibility?
  • When is it okay to renegotiate a promise?
A Different Perspective

Overlooking consequences can erode trust.

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