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About this quote

What does it mean?
Sometimes being blunt or rude prevents manipulation by cunning people.
In plain terms
Being rude can protect you from being tricked by clever people.
What can you take from it?
Do not mistake simplicity for weakness; it can be a shield.

Where it applies

  • negotiations
  • dealing with charmers
  • workplace politics

Putting it to work

  • maintain bluntness as boundary
  • question polished arguments

Questions to consider

  • Are you being too polished?
  • Does directness serve you?

Another view

Rudeness can also alienate allies unnecessarily.

More from Francois de La Rochefoucauld

  1. Le vrai moyen d'etre trompe, c'est de se croire plus fin que les autres.

    Permalink to quote #42

  2. Il est plus aise d'etre sage pour les autres que de l'etre pour soi-meme.

    Permalink to quote #44

  3. Il y a de bons mariages, mais il n'y en a point de delicieux.

    Permalink to quote #41

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