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About this quote

What does it mean?
The speaker prefers honest truth and responsibility over aggressive, empty rhetoric.
In plain terms
He prefers truth and responsibility over loud, empty talk.
What can you take from it?
Values substance over style in communication.

Where it applies

  • leadership
  • negotiation
  • public speaking

Putting it to work

  • prioritizing facts
  • calming tone

Questions to consider

  • How do you balance truth and persuasion?
  • Is style ever more important than substance?

Another view

Sometimes bold rhetoric is needed to mobilize people.

More from Grover Cleveland

  1. I know there is a Supreme Being who rules the affairs of men and whose goodness and mercy have always followed the American people, and I know He will not turn…

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  2. It is better to be defeated standing for a high principle than to run by committing subterfuge.

    Permalink to quote #26
  3. A government for the people must depend for its success on the intelligence, the morality, the justice, and the interest of the people themselves.

    Permalink to quote #23

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