Advantage Quote by Barrett Brown
“Politeness is wasted on the dishonest, who will always take advantage of any well-intended concession.”
About This Quote
Source Article: The New Yorker, Barrett Brown, 2015
Dishonest people exploit politeness, making it ineffective as a moral tool.
In simple terms: Politeness fails with liars.
Key Takeaway
Use discernment with kindness.
Themes
ethics
trust
communication
politics
manipulation
Mood
critical
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
ethical
When to use this quote
- negotiations
- customer service
- political discourse
Key Concepts
moral philosophy
social dynamics
trust theory
Questions to Reflect On
- When is politeness appropriate?
- How can you protect yourself while being courteous?
A Different Perspective
Politeness can still be useful if combined with boundaries.
![“Next came the Patent laws. These began in England in 1624; and, in this country, with the adoption of our constitution. Before then [these?], any man might instantly use what another had invented; so that the inventor had no special advantage from his own invention. The patent system changed this…” quote by Abraham Lincoln](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/449/abraham-lincoln-88_adoption_next-came-the-patent-laws-these-began-in_1828.jpg)
