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About this quote

What does it mean?
Stealing a shopping cart is as absurd as stealing a child, highlighting the foolishness of minor theft.
In plain terms
Taking a cart is as pointless as taking a toddler.
What can you take from it?
Don't do pointless things just because you can.

Where it applies

  • commenting on petty crime
  • making light of bad decisions

Putting it to work

  • writing comedy
  • discussing ethics

Questions to consider

  • What makes an action truly foolish?
  • How do we judge minor crimes?

Another view

The comparison is hyperbolic and might minimize actual theft issues.

More from Erma Bombeck

  1. Who in their infinite wisdom decreed that Little League uniforms be white? Certainly not a mother.

    Permalink to quote #51
  2. Youngsters of the age of two or three are endowed with extraordinary strength. They can lift a dog twice their own weight and dump him into the bathtub.

    Permalink to quote #53
  3. When your mother asks, 'Do you want a piece of advice?' it is a mere formality. It doesn't matter if you answer yes or no. You're going to get it anyway.

    Permalink to quote #50

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