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About this quote

What does it mean?
The public ignores your words, and you ignore their desires.
In plain terms
They do not hear you, and you do not say what they want.
What can you take from it?
Disconnect exists between public expectation and honest communication.

Where it applies

  • politics
  • art
  • public speaking

Putting it to work

  • accept audience limits
  • prioritize honesty over popularity

Questions to consider

  • Why do audiences ignore honest speech?
  • Should you say what people want?

Another view

Effective communication often requires meeting some audience expectations.

More from Karl Kraus

  1. I am already so popular that anyone who vilifies me becomes more popular than I am.

    Permalink to quote #27
  2. 'It is better not to express what one means than to express what one does not mean.'

    Permalink to quote #29
  3. How is the world ruled and how do wars start? Diplomats tell lies to journalists and then believe what they read.

    Permalink to quote #26

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