He knew the precise psychological moment when to say nothing.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- He recognized the exact moment when silence was the best response.
- In plain terms
- He knew when to stay silent.
- What can you take from it?
- Timing silence can be more powerful than speaking.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How do you decide when silence is appropriate?
- What are risks of staying silent?
Another view
Silence can be misinterpreted as agreement or weakness.
More from Oscar Wilde
The only way to get rid of a temptation is to yield to it.
Permalink to quote #67 The only difference between a caprice and a lifelong passion is that the caprice lasts a little longer.
Permalink to quote #69 If they know nothing of victory, they are at least spared the knowledge of defeat.
Permalink to quote #66
Related quotes
Tender-handed stroke a nettle, And it stings you for your pains; Grasp it like a man of mettle, And it soft as silk remains. 'Tis the same with common natures:…
Aaron HillAaron Hill quote #3 It is always observable that silence propagates itself, and that the longer talk has been suspended, the more difficult it is to find any thing to say.
Samuel JohnsonSamuel Johnson quote #4 Tout pouvoir humain est un compose de patience et de temps.
Honore de BalzacHonore de Balzac quote #5