Candid, and generous, and just, Boys care but little whom they trust, An error soon corrected- For who but learns in riper years That man, when smoothest he appears Is most to be suspected?
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Young people trust easily while older people are suspicious of overly smooth appearances.
- In plain terms
- Kids trust anyone but adults learn that nice guys can be fake.
- What can you take from it?
- Learn to trust wisely as you age.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How do I verify who to trust?
- Did I learn trust the hard way?
Another view
Younger people may still need to trust to develop social bonds.
More from William Cowper
Sweet stream that winds through yonder glade, Apt emblem of a virtuous maid Silent and chaste she steals along, Far from the world's gay busy throng: With gent…
Permalink to quote #7 Thus neither the praise nor the blame is our own.
Permalink to quote #9 'Regions Caesar never knew Thy posterity shall sway; Where his eagles never flew, None invincible as they.' Such the bard's prophetic words, Pregnant with cele…
Permalink to quote #6
Related quotes
I have a certain experience of the way people tell lies.
Agatha ChristieAgatha Christie quote #7 Barring that natural expression of villainy which we all have, the man looked honest enough.
Mark TwainMark Twain quote #12 The moment a man talks to his fellows he begins to lie.
Hilaire BellocHilaire Belloc quote #14