Robertson began one lecture with the definition of a sign…
““Robertson began one lecture with the definition of a sign: “a thing that gives notice of something different from itself.” He next gave examples of natural signs, such as smiling, which indicates joy, and blushing, which speaks of shame. Then, after observing that such signs are universal, Robertson noted this exception: “Politicians and other cunning men of business, [who] by great and refined dissimulation, have in great measure confounded and stifled the natural indications of their inmost thoughts.”28””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Signs are cues that reveal hidden states, but deceitful people can mask true intentions, obscuring those cues.
In simple terms: Signs reveal inner states; deceit hides them.
Key Takeaway
Beware of hidden motives.
Themes
communication
deception
psychology
politics
trust
Mood
cautious
analytical
Type
observational
critical.
When to use this quote
- political speeches
- business negotiations
- personal relationships
- media analysis
Key Concepts
sign theory
social perception
manipulation
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you verify the authenticity of a sign?
- What strategies help uncover hidden motives?
A Different Perspective
Deception can be subtle and hard to detect.