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About this quote

What does it mean?
The speaker suspects people are plotting to make them happy, reversing typical paranoia about malicious plots.
In plain terms
I suspect people want to make me happy instead of hurt me.
What can you take from it?
Positive suspicion can be just as paranoid as negative suspicion.

Where it applies

  • interpersonal relationships
  • psychology

Putting it to work

  • reflect on social trust

Questions to consider

  • How do we perceive kindness?
  • Is trust healthy?

Another view

This reversal might still indicate social anxiety.

More from J. D. Salinger

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