Lysander, when Dionysius sent him two gowns, and bade him…
“Lysander, when Dionysius sent him two gowns, and bade him choose which he would carry to his daughter, said, "She can choose best," and so took both away with him.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Lysander shows that offering a choice can be a tactic to gain advantage, then taking everything anyway.
In simple terms: Choosing can be a trap; he took both.
Key Takeaway
Beware hidden motives in offers.
Themes
politics
strategy
manipulation
Mood
cautious
analytical
Type
advice
philosophical
When to use this quote
- business deals
- diplomatic talks
- personal relationships
Key Concepts
power dynamics
psychology
negotiation
Questions to Reflect On
- How often do you give choices to conceal true intent?
- What are the ethical limits of strategic deception?
A Different Perspective
It may backfire if the other party feels betrayed.