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About this quote

What does it mean?
Mocks people who offer impractical solutions to serious problems.
In plain terms
Giving toothpicks during a famine is useless.
What can you take from it?
Ensure your help matches the actual need.

Where it applies

  • policy making
  • charity work

Putting it to work

  • assessing real needs

Questions to consider

  • Is your solution solving the right problem?

Another view

Ignores cases where small gestures matter emotionally.

More from Douglas William Jerrold

  1. The surest way to hit a woman's heart is to take aim kneeling.

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  2. That fellow would vulgarize the day of judgment.

    Permalink to quote #3
  3. The best thing I know between France and England is the sea.

    Permalink to quote #4

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