Skip to content
quotesby

About this quote

What does it mean?
It is better to remain silent than to offer a poor justification for an action.
In plain terms
Do not make a bad excuse; just admit you did not have one.
What can you take from it?
Avoid excuses that make your mistakes look worse.

Where it applies

  • error management
  • conflict resolution

Putting it to work

  • own mistakes without embellishment

Questions to consider

  • When does silence signal guilt rather than honesty?
  • How do you decide when an explanation is needed?

Another view

Sometimes context is necessary to explain actions and prevent misunderstanding.

More from George Washington

  1. All see, and most admire, the glare which hovers round the external trappings of elevated office. To me there is nothing in it, beyond the lustre which may be …

    Permalink to quote #36
  2. Of all the animosities which have existed among mankind, those which are caused by difference of sentiments in religion appear to be the most inveterate and di…

    Permalink to quote #38
  3. To be prepared for war is one of the most effectual means of preserving peace.

    Permalink to quote #35

Related quotes

  1. Use no hurtful deceit; think innocently and justly, and if you speak, speak accordingly.

    Thomas JacksonThomas Jackson quote #39
  2. Thou must be true thyself, If thou the truth wouldst teach; Thy soul must overflow, if thou Another's soul would'st reach! It needs the overflow of heart To gi…

    Horatius BonarHoratius Bonar quote #1
  3. Words and works eat not at one table.

    James HowellJames Howell quote #5