He calls his extravagance, generosity; and his trusting everybody, universal benevolence.
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
Putting it to work
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
This same philosophy is a good horse in the stable, but an arrant jade on a journey.
Permalink to quote #44 All his faults are such that one loves him still the better for them.
Permalink to quote #46 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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