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About this quote

What does it mean?
Offering a small payment to hear someone's thoughts shows the value placed on ideas.
In plain terms
A penny buys a thought.
What can you take from it?
Value ideas enough to pay for them.

Where it applies

  • asking advice
  • seeking opinions

Putting it to work

  • offer modest compensation for feedback
  • encourage sharing of thoughts

Questions to consider

  • What price is appropriate for someone's insight?
  • How does payment affect honesty?

Another view

Modern contexts may consider a penny insufficient.

More from John Heywood

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  2. You cannot see the wood for the trees.

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  3. But in deed, A friend is never known till a man have need.

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