--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: I have a rule of thumb, one that will…" description: "\"“I have a rule of thumb, one that will often enough rescue from one miserable situation only to plunge me into the next one. That is why to this day I ..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/92f/albert-vigoleis-thelen-66102_business_i-have-a-rule-of-thumb-one-that-will-oft_1449870.jpg" --- # I have a rule of thumb, one that will often enough rescue… ![“I have a rule of thumb, one that will often enough rescue from one miserable situation only to plunge me into the next one. That is why to this day I have never made it as a general, a company executive, a cardinal, or a university professor, but only enjoy my status as a jester at my own private…” quote by Albert Vigoleis Thelen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/92f/albert-vigoleis-thelen-66102_business_i-have-a-rule-of-thumb-one-that-will-oft_1449870.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/92f/albert-vigoleis-thelen-66102_business_i-have-a-rule-of-thumb-one-that-will-oft_1449870.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/92f/albert-vigoleis-thelen-66102_business_i-have-a-rule-of-thumb-one-that-will-oft_1449870.jpg) > ““I have a rule of thumb, one that will often enough rescue from one miserable situation only to plunge me into the next one. That is why to this day I have never made it as a general, a company executive, a cardinal, or a university professor, but only enjoy my status as a jester at my own private court and as a chronicler of the applied recollections of Vigoleis. This life-sustaining maxim of mine is as follows: in case of doubt, let truth be told.”” [Albert Vigoleis Thelen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/albert-vigoleis-thelen/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. When uncertain, speak the truth; honesty guides decisions and avoids the pitfalls of authority. **In simple terms:** Tell the truth when unsure. Key Takeaway Choose honesty over status. Themes integrity honesty decision‑making Mood reflective cautious Type advice philosophical When to use this quote - leadership dilemmas - personal relationships - public speaking - conflict resolution Key Concepts ethical philosophy personal conduct Questions to Reflect On - How does honesty affect your relationships? - When might truth be harmful? A Different Perspective Truth may cause short‑term conflict or loss of favor. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Business](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/business/) [Let Truth](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/let-truth/) [Recollections Vigoleis](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/recollections-vigoleis-5210996/) [Rule Thumb](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/rule-thumb-731839/) [Sustaining Maxim](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/sustaining-maxim-5210997/) [Truth Told](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/truth-told/) ## Related quotes > [A good rule of thumb for many things in life holds that things take longer to happen than you think they will, and then…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lawrence-summers/a-good-rule-of-thumb-for-many-things-in-life-holds-that-things-take/) [Lawrence Summers](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lawrence-summers/) > [The rule of thumb in F1 is to beat your teammate.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/nico-hulkenberg/the-rule-of-thumb-in-f1-is-to-beat-your-teammate/) [Nico Hulkenberg](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/nico-hulkenberg/) > [Ive always had this rule of thumb: If you have fun making it, then someone will have fun watching it.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/antony-starr/ive-always-had-this-rule-of-thumb-if-you-have-fun-making-it-then/) [Antony Starr](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/antony-starr/) > [“rule of thumb.’” His eyes found Erwin’s and they were gleaming. “You familiar with that one, doc?” Erwin hesitated before nodding slowly. “I’ve heard…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/james-d-prescott/rule-of-thumb-his-eyes-found-erwin-s-and-they-were-gleaming-you/) [James D. 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