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I've always followed my father's advice: he told me, first to always keep my word and, second, to never insult anybody unintentionally. If I insult you, you can be goddamn sure I intend to. And, third, he told me not to go around looking for trouble.
John Wayne
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Interpretation

What this quote means

The quote emphasizes the importance of integrity, intention in communication, and avoiding unnecessary conflict.

John Wayne's quote reflects a profound wisdom imparted by his father, highlighting three key principles to live by: the importance of keeping one's word, the intentional nature of true insults, and the value of staying away from conflict. This approach not only builds trust and respect in relationships but also encourages mindfulness in our interactions with others, advocating for a thoughtful and principled way of living.

Themes

IntegrityCommunicationConflictRespectWisdom

In practice

Example use cases

In a discussion about personal ethics, one might use this quote to illustrate the importance of keeping promises.

More from John Wayne

Tomorrow is the most important thing in life. Comes into us at midnight very clean. It's perfect when it arrives and it puts itself in our hands. It hopes we've learned something from yesterday.
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Republic. I like the sound of the word. It means people can live free, talk free, go or come, buy or sell, be drunk or sober, however they choose. Some words give you a feeling.
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In my acting, I have to identify with something in the character. The big tough boy on the side of right - that's me. Simple themes. Same me from the nuances. All I do is sell sincerity and I've been selling the hell out of that ever since I started.
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I'm not the sort to back away from a fight. I don't believe in shrinking from anything. It's not my speed; I'm a guy who meets adversities head on.
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Give the American people a good cause, and there's nothing they can't lick.
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A little wisdom, now and then

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