To John I owed great obligation; But John, unhappily, thought fit To publish it to all the nation: Sure John and I are more than quit.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- The speaker acknowledges a debt to John but feels they are even because John embarrassed him by publicizing the debt.
- In plain terms
- John did me a favor but told everyone about it, so now we are even.
- What can you take from it?
- Obligation can be cancelled by public embarrassment.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Does gratitude require privacy?
- Is a favor still good if it embarrasses you?
Another view
It assumes publicizing a favor negates its value entirely.
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