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About this quote

What does it mean?
Things acquired without cost often carry hidden costs in time, effort, or obligation.
In plain terms
Free things can end up costing you more in the long run.
What can you take from it?
Be wary of offers that seem too good to be true.

Where it applies

  • consumer decisions
  • business offers
  • gifts

Putting it to work

  • evaluate free trials
  • read terms carefully

Questions to consider

  • What did you sacrifice for something free?
  • Is free always free?

Another view

Some free things genuinely have no hidden cost.

More from Albert Einstein

  1. Setting an example is not the main means of influencing another, it is the only means.

    Permalink to quote #230
  2. Technological progress is like an axe in the hands of a pathological criminal.

    Permalink to quote #232
  3. Reality is merely an illusion, albeit a very persistent one.

    Permalink to quote #229

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