This quote uses clever wordplay to convey a deeper message about honesty and integrity. At first glance, the phrase “crosses the ocean twice without washing” seems to literally refer to someone who travels a lot without cleaning themselves, but it’s metaphorical in nature. The “ocean” represents a big task or challenge, and ”crossing” it implies going through or overcoming that challenge. Doing it “twice without washing” suggests repeating the task without cleansing oneself of deceit or untruthfulness, hence becoming a “dirty double crosser”.
The quote essentially means that if a person repeatedly engages in a significant task or challenge but does so dishonestly or unethically, they’re a ‘double crosser’ - a person who deceives or betrays. The ‘dirtiness’ refers to their moral impurity due to their actions.
In today’s world, this idea can be applied in various contexts, from politics and business to personal relationships. For instance, in the corporate world, a person might achieve success by unethical means such as lying or cheating. They might ‘cross the ocean’ by landing a big deal or getting a promotion, but if they do it dishonestly, they’re ‘dirty double crossers’. The quote is a reminder to maintain integrity, even when faced with big challenges.
In terms of personal development, it underscores the importance of honesty and integrity as key virtues. It reminds us that success achieved through dishonest means is not truly success. It encourages us to face challenges and pursue our goals with honesty, even if the task is as daunting as ‘crossing an ocean’. It’s a call to cleanse ourselves of any deceit before attempting to conquer our challenges, thus promoting personal growth and moral development.
