Cleverness Quote by Agnes Sligh Turnbull
“If a diplomat says yes, he means perhaps. If he says perhaps he means no. And if he says no, he's the hell of a diplomat.”
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Unconquered, Agnes Sligh Turnbull, 1947
Diplomats use vague language; “yes” can be tentative, “perhaps” often signals refusal, and “no” may hide true intent.
In simple terms: Diplomats speak ambiguously.
Key Takeaway
Read between the lines in negotiations.
Themes
communication
ambiguity
politics
Mood
cautious
analytical
inquisitive
Type
strategic
reflective
When to use this quote
- business negotiations
- international talks
- conflict resolution
- reading subtext
Key Concepts
diplomacy
strategic language
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you clarify unclear statements?
- When should you trust a diplomat’s “perhaps”?
A Different Perspective
Ambiguity can cause misunderstandings.
![“[On religion:] Wasn't it invented by man for a kind of solace? It's as though he had said, 'I'll make me a nice comfortable garment to shut out the heat and the cold,' and then it ends by becoming a strait-jacket.” quote by Agnes Sligh Turnbull](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/996/agnes-sligh-turnbull-32457_becoming_on-religion-wasn-t-it-invented-by-man-fo_1961144.jpg)
