Skip to content
quotesby

About this quote

What does it mean?
A short note that while tact is usually good, there are times it should not be used.
In plain terms
Sometimes you must be direct instead of tactful.
What can you take from it?
Know when to drop politeness for clarity.

Where it applies

  • conflict resolution
  • negotiation
  • difficult conversations

Putting it to work

  • assess context before speaking
  • choose directness when needed

Questions to consider

  • When is directness necessary?
  • What is the cost of tact?

Another view

It offers no criteria for when tact is misplaced.

More from Larry Niven

  1. 10) Anarchy is the least stable of social structures.

    Permalink to quote #48
  2. 16) There is no cause so right that one cannot find a fool following it. To prove a point, one may seek out a foolish Socialist, thirteenth century Liberal, Sc…

    Permalink to quote #50
  3. 9) Ethics change with technology.

    Permalink to quote #47

Related quotes

  1. Tact is after all a kind of mind-reading.

    Sarah Orne JewettSarah Orne Jewett quote #7
  2. It is always a mistake to be plain-spoken.

    Gertrude SteinGertrude Stein quote #16
  3. Tact is the art of making a point without making an enemy.

    Isaac NewtonIsaac Newton quote #35