Cunning leads to knavery. It is but a step from one to the other, and that very slippery. Only lying makes the difference; add that to cunning, and it is knavery.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Cunning easily turns into dishonesty and knavery, with lying being the only real difference.
- In plain terms
- Cunning turns into lying and cheating quickly.
- What can you take from it?
- Be wary of how cunning leads to dishonesty.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Where do I see cunning used?
- Is cleverness ever truly neutral?
Another view
It conflates cleverness with malice without acknowledging nuance.
More from Ovid
Courage conquers all things: it even gives strength to the body.
Permalink to quote #42 Daring is not safe against daring men.
Permalink to quote #44 Chance is always powerful. Let your hook always be cast; in the pool where you least expect it, there will be fish.
Permalink to quote #41
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