Parents are usually more careful to bestow knowledge on their children rather than virtue, the art of speaking well rather than doing well; but their manners should be of the greatest concern.
R. Buckminster FullerRead
Those who play with the devil's toys will be brought by degrees to wield his sword.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Engaging in unethical or harmful activities can lead to greater consequences than initially anticipated.
This quote by R. Buckminster Fuller suggests that when individuals involve themselves in dubious or malevolent pursuits ('the devil's toys'), they may gradually become more entangled in these activities, ultimately facing dire consequences ('wield his sword'). It serves as a warning about the slippery slope of engaging with immoral choices and the inevitable repercussions that follow.
Themes
ConsequencesEthicsMoralityChoicesWarning
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used during a seminar on ethical decision-making in business.
More from R. Buckminster Fuller
All quotes βThere is no such thing as genius, some children are just less damaged than others.
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Only the free-wheeling artist-explorer, non-academic, scientist-philosopher, mechanic, economist-poet who has never waited for patron-starting and accrediting of his co-ordinate capabilities holds the prime initiative today.
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The end move in politics is always to pick up a gun.
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I have spent most of my life unlearning things that were proved not to be true
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The earth is like a spaceship that didn't come with an operating manual.
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