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
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Most of the stress people experience comes from inappropriately managed commitments they make or accept.
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Scarcely any degree of judgment is sufficient to restrain the imagination from magnifying that on which it is long detained
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