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About this quote

What does it mean?
Someone mislabels wasteful spending and naivety as virtuous traits.
In plain terms
He calls bad spending generosity and trusting everyone kindness.
What can you take from it?
Be wary of redefining flaws as virtues.

Where it applies

  • financial management
  • social interactions
  • self-assessment

Putting it to work

  • evaluating character
  • identifying bias

Questions to consider

  • How do we define true generosity?
  • Is trust always good?

Another view

It does not address accidental mistakes versus intent.

More from Oliver Goldsmith

  1. This same philosophy is a good horse in the stable, but an arrant jade on a journey.

    Permalink to quote #44
  2. All his faults are such that one loves him still the better for them.

    Permalink to quote #46
  3. The only art her guilt to cover, To hide her shame from every eye, To give repentance to her lover, And wring his bosom, is - to die.

    Permalink to quote #43

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