Mustapha Mond shook hands with all three of them; but it…
““Mustapha Mond shook hands with all three of them; but it was to the Savage that he addressed himself. "So you don't much like civilization, Mr. Savage," he said. The Savage looked at him. He had been prepared to lie, to bluster, to remain sullenly unresponsive; but, reassured by the good-humoured intelligence of the Controller's face, he decided to tell the truth, straightforwardly. "No." / Mustafá Mond estrechó la mano a los tres hombres; pero se dirigió al Salvaje: —De modo que nuestra civilización no le gusta mucho, Mr. Salvaje —dijo. El Salvaje lo miró. Previamente, había tomado la decisión de mentir, de bravuconear o de guardar un silencio obstinado. Pero, tranquilizado por la expresión comprensiva y de buen humor del Interventor, decidió decir la verdad, honradamente: —No.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The Controller shows that even a powerful ruler can be moved by genuine human honesty, prompting truth over deception.
In simple terms: Honesty can soften authority.
Key Takeaway
Speak truthfully to influence power.
Themes
authority
honesty
humanity
communication
Mood
reflective
hopeful
Type
philosophical
dialogue
When to use this quote
- political negotiation
- personal confrontation
- leadership challenges
Key Concepts
power dynamics
ethical persuasion
Questions to Reflect On
- Can honesty change a ruler's mind?
- When is truth more effective than strategy?
A Different Perspective
Truth may be ignored if the listener is hostile.