Breasts Quote by William Cowper
“A man renowned for repartee will seldom scruple to make free with friendship's finest feeling, will thrust a dagger at your breast, and say he wounded you in jest, by way of balm for healing.”
About This Quote
Source Poem: “The Task” (1795) – lines on friendship and betrayal
A witty friend may betray under the guise of humor, yet the pain can be a strange remedy.
In simple terms: Friends can hurt while pretending to help.
Key Takeaway
Beware of jokes that mask hurtful intent.
Themes
friendship
betrayal
humor
healing
Mood
cautious
reflective
serious
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- personal relationships
- workplace interactions
- social gatherings
- conflict resolution
- null
Key Concepts
social dynamics
psychology
trust
emotional intelligence
Questions to Reflect On
- When does a joke cross the line into harm?
- How can we address betrayal without destroying the friendship?
A Different Perspective
Humor can mask deeper issues, making it hard to address the underlying hurt.
![“Beneath the surface of repartee and mock seriousness, [Plato's Phaedrus] is asking whether we ought to prefer a neuter form of speech to the kind which is ever getting us aroused over things and provoking an expense of spirit.” quote by Richard M. Weaver](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/da2/richard-m-weaver-7447_asking_beneath-the-surface-of-repartee-and-mock_1324161.jpg)
