You can't cheat an honest man. He has to have larceny in his heart in the first place.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Cheat implies mutual dishonesty; an honest person cannot be cheated alone.
- In plain terms
- You can only cheat someone willing to be cheated.
- What can you take from it?
- Honesty protects you from being cheated.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Can honesty prevent scams?
- Is greed always involved?
Another view
It blames the victim for being gullible.
More from W. C. Fields
Yes, if every other form of persuasion fails.
Permalink to quote #70 Here you have some razor blades. And now, play with them!
Permalink to quote #72 Women are like elephants, to me: I like to look at 'em, but I wouldn't want to own one.
Permalink to quote #69
Related quotes
I have made up my mind that if there is a God, he will be merciful to the merciful. Upon that rock I stand. That he will not torture the forgiving. Upon that r…
Robert G. IngersollRobert G. Ingersoll quote #20 The highest morality may prove also to be the highest wisdom when the half-told story comes to be finished.
Arthur Conan DoyleArthur Conan Doyle quote #1 The liar's punishment is, not in the least that he is not believed, but that he cannot believe any one else.
George Bernard ShawGeorge Bernard Shaw quote #1