"Gain a modest reputation for being unreliable and you will never be asked to do a thing"

This quote by Paul Theroux recommends that if you are known to be undependable, you will not be asked to do anything. This could be translated in a few various methods. First of all, it could be seen as a warning to be trustworthy and reputable in order to be asked to do things. It might also be seen as a way of preventing obligation, as if you are understood to be undependable, individuals will not ask you to do anything. It could also be viewed as a method of securing yourself from being taken advantage of, as if you are known to be unreliable, individuals will not ask you to do anything that they understand you will not be able to do. Eventually, this quote recommends that if you want to be asked to do things, you need to be reputable and trustworthy.