Asking a man if he could be trusted was like asking an unwed girl if she was a virgin. The question mattered, but the asking of it was a gross insult
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Asking a man if he is trusted is as insulting as asking a girl if she is a virgin.
- In plain terms
- Asking about trust insults the person because it assumes they might be untrustworthy.
- What can you take from it?
- Do not ask for trust, earn it.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Is trust something that should be asked or shown?
- How do you verify trustworthiness without insulting?
Another view
It ignores that asking about trust is sometimes necessary for safety or due diligence.
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