They had more than once snatched out of his hands this or that profitable contract; he clearly saw that they would do it again, and they all seemed to him alike--greedy for money, always ready to cheat one another.

When he imparted to his godfather his observation, the old man said: "How then?
Business is just the same as war--a hazardous affair.

There they fight for the purse, and in the purse is the soul." "I don't like this," announced Foma.
"Neither do I like everything--there's too much fraud.
"But to be fair in business matters is utterly impossible; you must be shrewd! In business, dear, on approaching a man you must hold honey in your left hand, and clutch a knife in your right.

Everybody would like to buy five copecks' worth for a half a copeck." "Well, this isn't too good," said Foma, thoughtfully.

"But it will be good later.