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We have to distrust each other. It is our only defense against betrayal.
Tennessee Williams
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Trusting others can lead to betrayal, so it's safer to be cautious.

In this quote, Tennessee Williams presents a rather cynical view on human relationships, suggesting that the foundation of trust can often lead to disappointment and betrayal. By advocating for a healthy dose of skepticism, he implies that maintaining a certain level of doubt towards others can protect oneself from being hurt, ultimately functioning as a defense mechanism in a world where loyalty can be fleeting.

Themes

TrustBetrayalRelationshipsCautionDefense

In practice

Example use cases

This quote can be used during a discussion about the importance of being cautious in personal relationships.

More from Tennessee Williams

Maggie, we're through with lies and liars in this house. Lock the door.
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Time rushes towards us with its hospital tray of infinitely varied narcotics, even while it is preparing us for its inevitably fatal operation.
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Show me a person who hasn´t known any sorrow and I´ll show you a superficial.
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Success and failure are equally disastrous.
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The rest of my days I'm going to spend on the sea. And when I die, I'm going to die on the sea. You know what I shall die of? I shall die of eating an unwashed grape. One day out on the ocean I will die — with my hand in the hand of some nice-looking ship's doctor, a very young one with a small blond moustache and a big silver watch.
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Life is partly what we make it, and partly what it is made by the friends we choose.
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