A person who can't pay, gets another person who can't pay, to guarantee that he can pay. Like a person with two wooden legs getting another person with two wooden legs, to guarantee that he has got two natural legs. It don't make either of them able to do a walking match.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Guaranteeing debts for those unable to pay is as futile as one disabled person vouching for another's ability to walk.
- In plain terms
- It is pointless for someone who cannot pay to have someone else who cannot pay guarantee it.
- What can you take from it?
- Guarantees are useless if the guarantor also lacks ability.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What makes a guarantee valuable?
- Who should take responsibility for debts?
Another view
Sometimes guarantees are symbolic or have legal weight beyond ability.
More from Charles Dickens
Whatever was required to be done, the Circumlocution Office was beforehand with all the public departments in the art of perceiving - HOW NOT TO DO IT.
Permalink to quote #115 I revere the memory of Mr. F. as an estimable man and most indulgent husband, only necessary to mention Asparagus and it appeared or to hint at any little deli…
Permalink to quote #117 The Circumlocution Office was (as everybody knows without being told) the most important Department under Government. No public business of any kind could poss…
Permalink to quote #114
Related quotes
Well, if I called the wrong number, why did you answer the phone?
James ThurberJames Thurber quote #2 Gdyby w jeziorze byly ryby, wedkowanie nie mialoby sensu.
Lech WalesaLech Walesa quote #10 I am not sure just what the unpardonable sin is, but I believe it is a disposition to evade the payment of small bills. [Pg. 146.]
Elbert HubbardElbert Hubbard quote #11