What! Would you slap the Porcupine? Unhappy child - desist! Alas! That any friend of mine Should turn Tupto-philist.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- The speaker warns against attacking a porcupine and calls the friend foolish.
- In plain terms
- Don't slap a porcupine; it is a bad idea and makes you look foolish.
- What can you take from it?
- Avoid provoking dangerous situations unnecessarily.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- When is it okay to take a risk?
- How do we teach consequences effectively?
Another view
Not all risks are obvious; some dangers require knowledge.
More from Hilaire Belloc
Child! Do not throw this book about; Refrain from the unholy pleasure Of cutting all the pictures out! Preserve it as your chiefest treasure.
Permalink to quote #1 From quiet homes and first beginning, Out to the undiscovered ends, There's nothing worth the wear of winning, But laughter and the love of friends.
Permalink to quote #3 It is sometimes necessary to lie damnably in the interests of the nation.
Permalink to quote #4
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