What you don't seem to understand is, sometimes you have to tell people the truth and ask them to do the thing you want, instead of trying to trick them into it.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Direct communication about desired actions is more honest and effective than manipulation.
- In plain terms
- Ask people to do what you want openly instead of tricking them.
- What can you take from it?
- Honest requests beat hidden agendas.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Is manipulation ever justified for good outcomes?
- How do you prefer to be asked?
Another view
Some situations require tact over blunt truth.
More from Orson Scott Card
He hadn't realized how much he needed the honor of others until he finally got it
Permalink to quote #285 Sometimes the other side is irresistibly strong, and then the only sensible course of action is to retreat in order to save your force to fight another day.
Permalink to quote #287 It was as if Graff had read his heart and found the lie that would penetrate most deeply into his soul and told it to him.
Permalink to quote #284
Related quotes
Please don't lie to me, unless you're absolutely sure I'll never find out the truth.
Ashleigh BrilliantAshleigh Brilliant quote #1 My method is to take the utmost trouble to find the right thing to say, and then to say it with the utmost levity.
George Bernard ShawGeorge Bernard Shaw quote #2 Peer, du lyver!
Henrik IbsenHenrik Ibsen quote #3