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The serious people who took him seriously never felt quite sure of his deportment; they were somehow aware that trusting their reputations for judgment with him was like furnishing a nursery with egg-shell china.
H. G. Wells
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Interpretation

What this quote means

This quote illustrates the uncertainty that can arise when placing trust in someone with unpredictable behavior.

H. G. Wells reflects on the complexity of trusting individuals whose actions or demeanor may not align with societal expectations. The metaphor of 'furnishing a nursery with egg-shell china' emphasizes the fragility and potential consequences of relying on someone who is not conventionally serious or reliable. It suggests a paradox where serious individuals recognize the risk involved in their trust, evoking contemplation about judgment and reputation in personal and professional relationships.

Themes

TrustJudgmentSeriousnessReputationFragility

In practice

Example use cases

In a discussion about the complexities of trust in relationships.

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Things that would have made fame of a less clever man seemed tricks in his hands. It is a mistake to do things too easily.
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