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
Tact is the ability to describe others as they see themselves.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Tact involves understanding and reflecting others' self-perceptions effectively.
This quote by Abraham Lincoln emphasizes the importance of tact in communication and interpersonal relationships. It suggests that true tactfulness lies in the ability to understand and articulate how others view themselves, fostering better connections and smoother interactions.
Themes
TactCommunicationUnderstandingPerceptionRelationships
In practice
Example use cases
In a work environment, when providing feedback, one might say, 'I know you strive for excellence, and your efforts are commendable.'
More from Abraham Lincoln
All quotes βSir, 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
Wait for the idea. It may not come at first, but you must be patient, never doubting, waiting in faith. It will come.
Ernest HolmesRead
Take one, and you cannot take the other. But neither path is safe. Which way would you walk β the way of hard truths or the way of fine lies?
Neil GaimanRead
Does he council you better who bids you, Money, by right means, if you can: but by any means, make money ?
HoraceRead
He that riseth late, must trot all day, and shall scarce overtake his business at night.
Benjamin FranklinRead
I have not seen a person who loved virtue, or one who hated what was not virtuous. He who loved virtue would esteem nothing above it.
ConfuciusRead
I have the same confidence in the ability of our people to reject noxious literature as I have in their capacity to sort out the true from the false in theology, economics, or any other field.
William O. DouglasRead