"I have known a vast quantity of nonsense talked about bad men not looking you in the face. Don't trust that conventional idea. Dishonesty will stare honesty out of countenance any day in the week, if there is anything to be got by it"
- Charles Dickens
About this Quote
This quote by Charles Dickens is a caution against relying on conventional wisdom. He is stating that dishonesty will always dominate sincerity if there is something to be gotten from it. He is suggesting that individuals must not be fooled by the concept that dishonest individuals will not look you in the face. He is saying that dishonesty will constantly be willing to take advantage of honesty if there is something to be gotten from it. This quote is a tip to be careful of those who may be dishonest and to constantly be aware of the capacity for dishonesty in any scenario. It is a tip to constantly be alert and to not be tricked by the idea that unethical people will not look you in the face.
"I weep for the liberty of my country when I see at this early day of its successful experiment that corruption has been imputed to many members of the House of Representatives, and the rights of the people have been bartered for promises of office"