Through all the Employments of Life Each Neighbour abuses his Brother; Whore and Rogue they call Husband and Wife: All Professions be-rogue one another: The Priest calls the Lawyer a Cheat, The Lawyer be-knaves the Divine: And the Statesman, because he's so great, Thinks his Trade as honest as mine.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- People in all professions criticize each other, claiming their own work is honest.
- In plain terms
- Everyone insults other jobs while pretending theirs is the only honest one.
- What can you take from it?
- Professionals often distrust one another while elevating their own trade.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Why do we distrust other jobs?
- Is any trade truly honest?
Another view
It generalizes all professions without nuance.
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By outward show let's not be cheated; An ass should like an ass be treated.
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