A banker is a fellow who lends you his umbrella when the sun is shining, but wants it back the minute it begins to rain.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- This quote criticizes fair-weather friends who are helpful only when it is convenient for them.
- In plain terms
- People who help you only when things are good will disappear when you need them most.
- What can you take from it?
- Be wary of help that vanishes when difficulties arise.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Who stays when things get hard?
- How do you show reliability?
Another view
Sometimes people cannot help even if they want to due to circumstances.
More from Mark Twain
Whiskey is for drinking. Water is for fighting over.
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Permalink to quote #210 I'm sorry this letter is so long, but I did not have time to make it shorter.
Permalink to quote #207
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