“ if there were no bad people, there would be no good lawyers. ”
Charles Dickens, The Old Curiosity Shop (1841). copy citation
| Author | Charles Dickens |
|---|---|
| Source | The Old Curiosity Shop |
| Topic | lawyers crooks |
| Date | 1841 |
| Language | English |
| Reference | |
| Note | |
| Weblink | https://www.gutenberg.org/files/700/700-h/700-h.htm |
Context
“Are we pretty fresh and cheerful sir—eh, Mr Richard?'
'Pretty well, sir,' replied Dick.
'That's well,' said Brass. 'Ha ha! We should be as gay as larks, Mr Richard—why not? It's a pleasant world we live in sir, a very pleasant world. There are bad people in it, Mr Richard, but if there were no bad people, there would be no good lawyers. Ha ha! Any letters by the post this morning, Mr Richard?'
Mr Swiveller answered in the negative.
'Ha!' said Brass, 'no matter. If there's little business to-day, there'll be more to-morrow. A contented spirit, Mr Richard, is the sweetness of existence.” source
'Pretty well, sir,' replied Dick.
'That's well,' said Brass. 'Ha ha! We should be as gay as larks, Mr Richard—why not? It's a pleasant world we live in sir, a very pleasant world. There are bad people in it, Mr Richard, but if there were no bad people, there would be no good lawyers. Ha ha! Any letters by the post this morning, Mr Richard?'
Mr Swiveller answered in the negative.
'Ha!' said Brass, 'no matter. If there's little business to-day, there'll be more to-morrow. A contented spirit, Mr Richard, is the sweetness of existence.” source
Meaning and analysis
