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About this quote

What does it mean?
Warning against being unaware of one's own negative impact on others.
In plain terms
Don't be someone who doesn't know they are behaving badly.
What can you take from it?
Self-awareness prevents harmful behavior.

Where it applies

  • social interaction
  • moral education

Putting it to work

  • cultivating humility
  • seeking feedback

Questions to consider

  • Are you aware of your impact?
  • How do you know when you are wrong?

Another view

The phrasing relies on slang that may not resonate universally.

More from William S. Burroughs

  1. There's something wrong with that boy. He frowns for no good reason.

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  2. Thou shalt not blow pot-smoke into the face of my pet. Say's whom who want's to get high.

    Permalink to quote #50
  3. There is no line between the 'real world' and 'world of myth and symbol.' Objects, sensations, hit with the impact of hallucination.

    Permalink to quote #47

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