QuoteProject
When I am getting ready to reason with a man, I spend one-third of my time thinking about myself and what I am going to say and two-thirds about him and what he is going to say.
Abraham Lincoln
ShareWTF𝕏

Interpretation

What this quote means

Effective communication involves understanding both yourself and the other person's perspective.

This quote by Abraham Lincoln emphasizes the importance of empathy in conversations. It highlights that successful reasoning or argumentation requires not only preparation on one's own views but significantly more consideration of the other individual's thoughts and responses, suggesting that true understanding and productive dialogue stem from prioritizing the perspective of others.

Themes

CommunicationEmpathyUnderstandingDialogueReasoning

In practice

Example use cases

Using this quote during a workshop on effective communication.

More from Abraham Lincoln

I am like a man so busy in letting rooms in one end of his house, that he can't stop to put out the fire that is burning the other.
Abraham LincolnRead
Sir, my concern is not whether God is on our side; my greatest concern is to be on God's side, for God is always right.
Abraham LincolnRead
Give me six hours to chop down a tree and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe.
Abraham LincolnRead
How many legs does a dog have if you call the tail a leg? Four. Calling a tail a leg doesn't make it a leg.
Abraham LincolnRead
For it has been said, all that a man hath will he give for his life; and while all contribute of their substance the soldier puts his life at stake, and often yields it up in his country's cause. The highest merit, then is due to the soldier.
Abraham LincolnRead
And having thus chosen our course, without guile, and with pure purpose, let us renew our trust in God, and go forward without fear, and with manly hearts.
Abraham LincolnRead

Similar quotes

The most common cause of fear of old age is associated with the possibility of poverty.
Napoleon HillRead
You have too much respect upon the world; They lose it that do buy it with much care
William ShakespeareRead
Not creating delusions is enlightenment.
BodhidharmaRead
What you focus on grows, what you think about expands, and what you dwell upon determines your destiny.
Robin SharmaRead
Both wit and understanding are trifles without integrity; it is that which gives value to every character. The ignorant peasant, without fault, is greater than the philosopher with many; for what is genius or courage without a heart?
Oliver GoldsmithRead
If you do not possess the staff of caution and discrimination, use the eyes of him who sees. If there is no staff of caution and discrimination, do not wander on the road without a guide.
RumiRead

A little wisdom, now and then

Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.