One should never trust a person who, while assuring you of something, puts his hands on his heart.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Lichtenberg suggests that physical gestures like placing a hand on the heart can be performative rather than sincere, signaling potential deceit.
- In plain terms
- Be wary of people who use dramatic gestures to convince you they are honest.
- What can you take from it?
- Watch actions over dramatic gestures.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What gestures make you feel heard?
- How do you signal sincerity?
Another view
Some cultures genuinely use hand-on-heart gestures as a sign of respect.
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