Skip to content
quotesby

About this quote

What does it mean?
Speaking truth bluntly often makes one unpopular or dangerous in social settings.
In plain terms
Calling things by their true names can anger people.
What can you take from it?
Radical honesty can be socially dangerous.

Where it applies

  • workplace politics
  • family dynamics
  • public speaking

Putting it to work

  • navigate social situations
  • deliver difficult truths

Questions to consider

  • Is truth more important than peace?
  • How do we speak truth safely?

Another view

Sometimes honesty is necessary despite the cost.

More from George Savile

  1. Children and fools want everything, because they want wit to distinguish; there is no stronger evidence of a crazy understanding than the making too large a ca…

    Permalink to quote #1
  2. Popularity is a crime from the moment it is sought; it is only a virtue where men have it whether they will or no.

    Permalink to quote #3
  3. Misspending a man's time is a kind of self-homicide.

    Permalink to quote #4

Related quotes

  1. The first casualty when war comes is truth.

    Hiram JohnsonHiram Johnson quote #1
  2. 'I see you are looking at my feet,' he said to her when car was in motion. 'I beg your pardon?' said the woman. 'I said I see you're looking at my feet'. 'I be…

    J. D. SalingerJ. D. Salinger quote #4
  3. Nothing could be a more serious violation of public trust than to consciously make a war based on false claims.

    Wesley ClarkWesley Clark quote #4