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
When you read something you have written, you have to confront some of the lies you have been telling yourself.
Jonathan Safran FoerRead
One man's word is no man's word; we should quietly hear both sides.
Johann Wolfgang Von GoetheRead
Sometimes surrender means giving up trying to understand and becoming comfortable with not knowing.
Eckhart TolleRead
Patience serves as a protection against wrongs as clothes do against cold. For if you put on more clothes as the cold increases, it will have no power to hurt you. So in like manner you must grow in patience when you meet with great wrongs, and they will then be powerless to vex your mind.
Leonardo Da VinciRead
We have too often been expected to speak _x000D_ all things to all people and speak everyone else's position _x000D_ but our own.
Audre LordeRead
Retire into yourself as much as possible. Associate with people who are likely to improve you. Welcome those whom you are capable of improving. The process is a mutual one. People learn as they teach.
Seneca The YoungerRead