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Say what you mean to do...and take it for granted you mean…

“Say what you mean to do...and take it for granted you mean to do right. Never do a wrong thing to make a friend or keep one...you will wrong him and wrong yourself by equivocation of any kind.” quote by Robert E. Lee
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“Say what you mean to do...and take it for granted you mean to do right. Never do a wrong thing to make a friend or keep one...you will wrong him and wrong yourself by equivocation of any kind.”

Robert E. Lee

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Act with integrity; avoid deceit even for friendship, as it harms both parties.

In simple terms: Honesty outweighs convenience.

Key Takeaway

Choose honesty.

Themes

integrity friendship ethics

Mood

reflective serious

Type

ethical philosophical

When to use this quote

  • personal relationships
  • business
  • politics

Key Concepts

moral consistency trust building

Questions to Reflect On

  • When have you compromised truth for a friend?
  • What are the long‑term effects of deceit?
A Different Perspective

Honesty can be socially costly.

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