If one's lot is cast among fools, it is necessary to study folly.
 Alexandre Dumas, The Count of Monte Cristo (1845). copy citation

Context

“«Nevertheless, my dear count, I found you this morning engaged in an occupation but little consistent with the notions you profess to entertain.»
«Because, my dear fellow, you understand one must never be eccentric. If one's lot is cast among fools, it is necessary to study folly. I shall perhaps find myself one day called out by some harebrained scamp, who has no more real cause of quarrel with me than you have with Beauchamp; he may take me to task for some foolish trifle or other, he will bring his witnesses, or will insult me in some public place, and I am expected to kill him for all that.»” source
Original quote

Meaning and analysis

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