Business Quote by Anonymous
“It is always right to detect a fraud, and to perceive a folly; but it is very often wrong to expose either. A man of business should always have his eyes open, but must often seem to have them shut.”
About This Quote
Detecting fraud and folly is wise, but exposing them can be risky; businesspeople must stay vigilant while appearing unaware.
In simple terms: Spotting problems is good, but revealing them can be dangerous.
Key Takeaway
Balance vigilance with discretion.
Themes
business
ethics
strategy
Mood
cautious
strategic
Type
advice
philosophical
When to use this quote
- corporate negotiations
- financial audits
- political diplomacy
- media relations
Key Concepts
risk management
perception
information control
Questions to Reflect On
- When should you reveal a problem?
- How can you stay alert without appearing intrusive?
A Different Perspective
Exposure can backfire, leading to retaliation or loss of trust.
![“[S]ometimes, when you are a food person, the possible irrelevance of what you are doing doesn’t cross your mind until it’s too late. (Once, for example, when I was just starting out in the food business, I was hired by the caper people to develop a lot of recipes using capers, and it was weeks of…” quote by Nora Ephron](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/d79/nora-ephron-1217_business_s-ometimes-when-you-are-a-food-person-th_980.jpg)
![“If the State does not acquire supremacy over [vast private] enterprises, it becomes their puppet, and they become the real State.” quote by Bertrand Russell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/bad/bertrand-russell-69_acquire_if-the-state-does-not-acquire-supremacy_1379.jpg)