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Advice Quote by Victor Rothschild, 3rd Baron Rothschild

“Never have anything to do with an unlucky place, or an unlucky man. I have seen many clever men, very clever men, who had not shoes to their feet. I never act with them. Their advice sounds very well, but they cannot get on themselves; and if they cannot do good to themselves, how can they do good…” quote by Victor Rothschild, 3rd Baron Rothschild
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“Never have anything to do with an unlucky place, or an unlucky man. I have seen many clever men, very clever men, who had not shoes to their feet. I never act with them. Their advice sounds very well, but they cannot get on themselves; and if they cannot do good to themselves, how can they do good to me?”

Victor Rothschild, 3rd Baron Rothschild

About This Quote

Source Letter: Personal correspondence, early 20th century

Warns against associating with unlucky or ineffective people, as their flaws hinder mutual benefit.

In simple terms: Avoid unlucky or incompetent companions.

Key Takeaway

Choose reliable, capable partners.

Themes

trust fortune association

Mood

cautious pragmatic

Type

advice philosophical

When to use this quote

  • business ventures
  • friendships
  • team projects

Key Concepts

social capital personal responsibility

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do I assess someone's reliability?
  • Can I help an unlucky person improve?
A Different Perspective

Not all misfortune is personal; circumstances vary.

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