First time Quote by Barry Eisler
““The guy was shrewder than he looked. I realized I had given too much credence to the scrawny body and the obvious age, and had underestimated him. Watching him set up what would be our makeshift classroom, I wondered whether there would be some value to that. Getting people to underestimate you. Not letting them see what was under the hood. Preventing them from seeing it coming. I thought of the Japanese expression Nō aru taka wa, tsume o kakusu. The hawk with talent hides its talons. It had always been just that for me, an expression. But for the first time, I felt an inkling of what it might really imply.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Last Emissary, Barry Eisler, 2015
Underestimating someone can be a strategic advantage; hidden strengths can surprise opponents.
In simple terms: Hide your abilities to gain an edge.
Key Takeaway
Use discretion to protect your capabilities.
Themes
strategy
perception
deception
self
awareness
psychology
Mood
cautious
strategic
Type
advice
inspirational
When to use this quote
- business negotiations
- competitive sports
- personal branding
Key Concepts
tactical advantage
hidden talent
Questions to Reflect On
- When is it better to reveal your strengths?
- How can you balance humility with confidence?
A Different Perspective
Overreliance on secrecy may backfire if trust is broken.
