“Never stir up litigation; a worse man can scarcely be found than one who does this — who can be more nearly a fiend than he who habitually overhauls the register of deeds in search of defects in titles, whereon to stir up strife and put money in his pocket.”
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About this quote
It calls out the moral cost of creating conflict for profit and the damage that cost does to your reputation. Where are you choosing quick gains over fair work, and who pays the price when you do? Stop hunting for other people's faults to exploit and build honest value instead; that shift protects your character and creates steadier success.
When to use it
- A lawyer refuses to bring a petty lawsuit just to win a fee, and instead advises a fair settlement that preserves both parties' dignity.
- A real estate agent spots a minor title issue but helps the owner resolve it rather than advertising it to scare buyers and force a bargain.
- A business owner turns down a chance to exploit a competitor's technicality and focuses on improving their product to win customers.
- When offered an opportunity to create conflict for personal gain, a manager asks: who benefits and what will this do to my integrity?