This quote suggests that people will not extend their courtesy, respect or civility to someone who has shown themselves to be uncivilized or brutish (represented by the ‘bear’ in this metaphor), just as they wouldn’t lend money to someone who has proven to be financially irresponsible (the ‘bankrupt’). Essentially, it emphasizes the idea that trust and respect are earned thru one’s actions and behavior.
The bear here is symbolic of a person who behaves in a crude, unrefined or aggressive manner. The bankrupt represents an individual who has been reckless with resources entrusted to them.Lord Chesterfield implies that extending civility towards the bear is as futile an endeavor as lending money to the bankrupt – both are likely going to waste these resources without any return on investment.
In today’s world, this quote can apply in various contexts such as social relationships, business dealings or political interactions. for instance, it could mean not wasting time trying to reason with individuals who consistently demonstrate disrespect for others’ viewpoints. Similarly in business transactions, it would advise against investing in ventures where those involved have a history of mismanaging funds.
From a personal advancement perspective, this quote serves as guidance on how we should interact with others and where we should invest our energy. It encourages us not only to judge people by their actions rather than their words but also reminds us about the importance of our own behavior and how it can affect others’ perception of us. if we behave like the ‘bear’, people may withhold from us their respect; if we act like the ‘bankrupt’, they may hesitate before trusting us with important tasks or responsibilities. Therefore, refining our behavior ensures better interpersonal relationships and greater success in our endeavors.
