Quotes About Tact

Generally in war the best policy is to take a state intact; to ruin it is inferior to this.

The ability to influence people without irritating them is the most profitable skill you can learn.

Don't complain too loud about wrongs done you; you may give ideas to your less imaginative enemies.

politeness without warmth

You couldn't underestimate them and you couldn't kiss their ass. There was a certain middle ground to be achieved.

It is always a mistake to be plain-spoken.

When I'm debating others, whether it's Eleanor Clift or Bob Beckel, you're still in a fierce debate mode, but you're also on best behavior.

It's pretty hard to be efficient without being obnoxious.

Having to explain it means you probably shouldn't have said it.

Diplomat: A person who can tell you to go to hell in such a way that you actually look forward to the trip.

A diplomat is someone who can tell you to go to hell in such a way that you will look forward to the trip.

A diplomat... is a person who can tell you to go to hell in such a way that you actually look forward to the trip.

Mr S. got angry. 'Yes, I do have a son. He's a good-for-nothing. A dead loss.' I couldn't ask which prison he was in, so I put it more tactfully: 'What is he doing?' He sighed deeply: 'He's a professor of mathematics at London University.

A lord must learn that sometimes words can accomplish what swords cannot.

A wise man never makes an enemy of a king.

Diplomacy is the art of letting someone have your way.

Vigilance in watching opportunity; tact and daring in seizing upon opportunity; force and persistence in crowding opportunity to its utmost possible achievement-these are the martial virtues which must command success.

It is easier to catch flies with honey than with vinegar.

Never speak of a man in his own presence. It is always indelicate, and may be offensive .

The first requirement of a statesman is that he be dull. This is not always easy to achieve.

If you can't bite, don't show your teeth.

Minimum information given with maximum politeness.

Beware of allowing a tactless word, rebuttal, a rejection to obliterate the whole sky.

Don't confuse being stimulating with being blunt.