Always acknowledge a fault frankly. This will throw those in authority off their guard and give you opportunity to commit more.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Twain ironically suggests that admitting a small fault can disarm critics, allowing one to get away with worse mistakes later.
- In plain terms
- Admitting a small mistake can trick people into letting you make bigger ones.
- What can you take from it?
- A small confession can sometimes trick others into trusting you.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Is honesty always the best policy?
- When is a confession strategic?
Another view
It promotes deceit as a strategy.
More from Mark Twain
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