It has always puzzled me, in my business, that people…
“It has always puzzled me, in my business, that people think they have to answer questions, no matter how disagreeable or dangerous, just because they were asked. Of course, we journalists would be out of business if they didn't.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
People often feel compelled to answer every question, even risky ones, because they fear losing relevance.
In simple terms: Fear of irrelevance forces answering dangerous questions.
Key Takeaway
Consider when to decline harmful inquiries.
Themes
communication
ethics
professionalism
Mood
anxious
reflective
Type
advice
ethical
When to use this quote
- journalism
- customer service
- public speaking
- negotiation
Key Concepts
social pressure
risk management
Questions to Reflect On
- When should you refuse to answer?
- How to balance honesty with safety?
A Different Perspective
Answering may cause harm or misinformation.