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About this quote

What does it mean?
The quote advises exploiting others because they would do the same.
In plain terms
Defraud others so they cannot defraud you.
What can you take from it?
Business requires caution.

Where it applies

  • business negotiations
  • ethics discussions
  • negotiation

Putting it to work

  • protecting interests
  • negotiating carefully

Questions to consider

  • Is this a realistic strategy?
  • Should business be ethical?

Another view

It promotes unethical and destructive behavior.

More from Charles Dickens

  1. Keep up appearances whatever you do.

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  2. Buy an annuity cheap, and make your life interesting to yourself and everybody else that watches the speculation.

    Permalink to quote #68
  3. 'Regrets,' said Martin, 'are the natural property of grey hairs; and I enjoy, in common with all other men, at least my share of such inheritance.'

    Permalink to quote #65

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