Art Quote by William Penn
“If thy debtor be honest and capable, thou hast thy money again, if not with increase, with praise; if he prove insolvent, don't ruin him to get that which it will not ruin thee to lose, for thou art but a steward.”
About This Quote
Source Treat: "Some Account of the Present State of Pennsylvania", 1682
Treating debtors fairly benefits both parties and preserves moral integrity.
In simple terms: Fair treatment of debtors protects relationships.
Key Takeaway
Be just, not vengeful.
Themes
justice
ethics
stewardship
economics
Mood
thoughtful
balanced
Type
ethical
practical
When to use this quote
- business negotiations
- personal loans
- financial counseling
- community lending
Key Concepts
moral philosophy
reciprocity
risk management
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you balance fairness with protecting your own interests?
- What safeguards prevent exploitation while showing mercy?
A Different Perspective
Overly lenient policies may enable repeated defaults.
