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.”
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.
Choose honesty.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- personal relationships
- business
- politics
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- When have you compromised truth for a friend?
- What are the long‑term effects of deceit?
Honesty can be socially costly.