--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: We don't point a pistol at our own…" description: "\"We don't point a pistol at our own forehead. That is not the way to conduct negotiations.\" — Benjamin Netanyahu" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/136/benjamin-netanyahu-2269_negotiation_we-don-t-point-a-pistol-at-our-own-foreh_363316.jpg" --- # We don't point a pistol at our own forehead. That is not… ![“We don't point a pistol at our own forehead. That is not the way to conduct negotiations.” quote by Benjamin Netanyahu](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/136/benjamin-netanyahu-2269_negotiation_we-don-t-point-a-pistol-at-our-own-foreh_363316.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/136/benjamin-netanyahu-2269_negotiation_we-don-t-point-a-pistol-at-our-own-foreh_363316.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/136/benjamin-netanyahu-2269_negotiation_we-don-t-point-a-pistol-at-our-own-foreh_363316.jpg) > “We don't point a pistol at our own forehead. That is not the way to conduct negotiations.” [Benjamin Netanyahu](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/benjamin-netanyahu/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Negotiations require mutual respect; self-harmful tactics undermine credibility. **In simple terms:** Don’t threaten yourself in talks. Key Takeaway Choose constructive dialogue. Themes diplomacy conflict resolution respect Mood thoughtful serious Type advisory philosophical When to use this quote - peace talks - business deals - personal disputes Key Concepts self-harm negotiation tactics credibility Questions to Reflect On - What alternatives strengthen negotiation? - How does self‑respect affect outcomes? A Different Perspective Aggressive self‑targeting erodes trust. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Negotiation](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/negotiation/) [Negotiations](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/negotiations/) ## Related quotes > [One has to work for years and decades, to conduct negotiations, to stand for positions and points of view, to jointly develop a civilized…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/akhmad-kadyrov/one-has-to-work-for-years-and-decades-to-conduct-negotiations-to/) [Akhmad Kadyrov](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/akhmad-kadyrov/) > [As we conduct our negotiations it must be a priority to allow British companies to trade with the single market in goods and services…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/theresa-may/as-we-conduct-our-negotiations-it-must-be-a-priority-to-allow-british/) [Theresa May](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/theresa-may/) > [We will not engage in an endless process of negotiations.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/barack-obama/we-will-not-engage-in-an-endless-process-of-negotiations/) [Barack Obama](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/barack-obama/) > [“In classic Steve fashion, he would agree to something, but it would never happen,” said Lack. “He would set you up and then pull…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/walter-isaacson/in-classic-steve-fashion-he-would-agree-to-something-but-it-would/) [Walter Isaacson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/walter-isaacson/) > [The proposed liberal solution was always negotiation. Just as they believed in nuclear arms negotiations for their own sake, they believe in a "peace…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mona-charen/the-proposed-liberal-solution-was-always-negotiation-just-as-they/) [Mona Charen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mona-charen/) > [Like all my poems, 'Negotiations' has several sources. It deals with aging lovers and the often silent deals they make. Thinking about bargains made…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/rae-armantrout/like-all-my-poems-negotiations-has-several-sources-it-deals-with/) [Rae Armantrout](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/rae-armantrout/) > [Those who had demanded no more than an end to the bombing of North Vietnam and a commitment to negotiations saw their demands being…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/noam-chomsky/those-who-had-demanded-no-more-than-an-end-to-the-bombing-of-north/) [Noam Chomsky](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/noam-chomsky/) > [I believe that sitting naked across from your adversary in a steam room makes negotiations more productive.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/david-shapiro/i-believe-that-sitting-naked-across-from-your-adversary-in-a-steam/) [David Shapiro](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/david-shapiro/) > [“But in my experience, there is one way to signal your commitment to process that all negotiations provide: Always keep your word, even when…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/deepak-malhotra/but-in-my-experience-there-is-one-way-to-signal-your-commitment-to/) [Deepak Malhotra](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/deepak-malhotra/) > [“Civilization is the general agreement to refrain from resorting to violence if negotiations fail.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stefan-molyneux/civilization-is-the-general-agreement-to-refrain-from-resorting-to/) [Stefan Molyneux](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stefan-molyneux/) > [“But up until that time I want you just to follow my lead and don’t worry. There are negotiations going on that will solve…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mario-puzo/but-up-until-that-time-i-want-you-just-to-follow-my-lead-and-don-t/) [Mario Puzo](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mario-puzo/) > [The first principle of contract negotiations is don't remind them of what you did in the past - tell them what you're going to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stan-musial/the-first-principle-of-contract-negotiations-is-don-t-remind-them-of/) [Stan Musial](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stan-musial/) > [“International peace negotiations need more value creation than value claiming. The more we create value for peace and development, the easier it is going…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/amit-ray/international-peace-negotiations-need-more-value-creation-than-value/) [Amit Ray](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/amit-ray/) > [During negotiations nothing is gained by attacking people's comfort zones.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/alan-sugar/during-negotiations-nothing-is-gained-by-attacking-people-s-comfort/) [Alan Sugar](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/alan-sugar/) > [I see negotiations as an honest attempt to reach a deal that's great for everyone at the table. But sometimes, for whatever reason, that's…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/kevin-o-leary/i-see-negotiations-as-an-honest-attempt-to-reach-a-deal-that-s-great/) [Kevin O'Leary](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/kevin-o-leary/) ## More by Benjamin Netanyahu > [I always lose the election in the polls, and I always win it on election day.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/benjamin-netanyahu/i-always-lose-the-election-in-the-polls-and-i-always-win-it-on/) [Benjamin Netanyahu](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/benjamin-netanyahu/) > [There is an irreplaceable ally. It's called the United States of America.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/benjamin-netanyahu/there-is-an-irreplaceable-ally-it-s-called-the-united-states-of/) [Benjamin Netanyahu](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/benjamin-netanyahu/) > [The prime minister of Israel is welcome to speak in the United States, obviously. But we don't want to see this turned into some…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/benjamin-netanyahu/the-prime-minister-of-israel-is-welcome-to-speak-in-the-united-states/) [Benjamin Netanyahu](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/benjamin-netanyahu/) > [You can only end a negotiation for peace if you begin it.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/benjamin-netanyahu/you-can-only-end-a-negotiation-for-peace-if-you-begin-it/) [Benjamin Netanyahu](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/benjamin-netanyahu/) > [If the Palestinians do their part, we shall do our part and we shall have an agreement.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/benjamin-netanyahu/if-the-palestinians-do-their-part-we-shall-do-our-part-and-we-shall/) [Benjamin Netanyahu](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/benjamin-netanyahu/) > [Israel should have exploited the repression of the demonstrations in China, when world attention focused on that country, to carry out mass expulsions among…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/benjamin-netanyahu/israel-should-have-exploited-the-repression-of-the-demonstrations-in/) [Benjamin Netanyahu](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/benjamin-netanyahu/) > [If the world powers are not prepared to insist that Iran change its behavior before a deal is signed, at the very least they…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/benjamin-netanyahu/if-the-world-powers-are-not-prepared-to-insist-that-iran-change-its/) [Benjamin Netanyahu](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/benjamin-netanyahu/) > [Certainly the international community is putting a lot of pressure on Iran and making clear that its nuclear program must stop. If it stops…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/benjamin-netanyahu/certainly-the-international-community-is-putting-a-lot-of-pressure-on/) [Benjamin Netanyahu](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/benjamin-netanyahu/) > [Why are we talking about talking? Why negotiating about negotiating? It's very simple. If you want to get to peace, put all your preconditions…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/benjamin-netanyahu/why-are-we-talking-about-talking-why-negotiating-about-negotiating-it/) [Benjamin Netanyahu](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/benjamin-netanyahu/) > [We want Israel as a democratic and Jewish state. So you have to maintain a Jewish majority, and you want to do that by…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/benjamin-netanyahu/we-want-israel-as-a-democratic-and-jewish-state-so-you-have-to/) [Benjamin Netanyahu](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/benjamin-netanyahu/) > [Now, when we say we want peace, what we want is really for our Palestinian neighbours to have a demilitarized state next to us…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/benjamin-netanyahu/now-when-we-say-we-want-peace-what-we-want-is-really-for-our/) [Benjamin Netanyahu](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/benjamin-netanyahu/) > [I know Donald Trump. I know him very well. And I think his attitude, his support for Israel is clear.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/benjamin-netanyahu/i-know-donald-trump-i-know-him-very-well-and-i-think-his-attitude-his/) [Benjamin Netanyahu](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/benjamin-netanyahu/) > [I don't want a one-state solution. I want a sustainable, peaceful two-state solution, but for that circumstances have to change.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/benjamin-netanyahu/i-don-t-want-a-one-state-solution-i-want-a-sustainable-peaceful-two/) [Benjamin Netanyahu](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/benjamin-netanyahu/) > [I'm very proud to be the prime minister of all of Israel's citizens, Arabs and Jews alike.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/benjamin-netanyahu/i-m-very-proud-to-be-the-prime-minister-of-all-of-israel-s-citizens/) [Benjamin Netanyahu](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/benjamin-netanyahu/) > [You know, I'm just not going to get into American politics.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/benjamin-netanyahu/you-know-i-m-just-not-going-to-get-into-american-politics/) [Benjamin Netanyahu](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/benjamin-netanyahu/) [Explore all 175 Benjamin Netanyahu quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/benjamin-netanyahu/) ## More Negotiation quotes > [A compromise is the art of dividing a cake in such a way that everyone believes he has the biggest piece.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ludwig-erhard/a-compromise-is-the-art-of-dividing-a-cake-in-such-a-way-that/) Ludwig Erhard > [“Simple answers, reductionist politics, are the most prone to compromise, to saying we’re addressing the essential issue and all that other stuff can slide.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dorothy-allison/simple-answers-reductionist-politics-are-the-most-prone-to-compromise/) [Dorothy Allison](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dorothy-allison/) > [We're always willing to look at ways NAFTA can work better. But it's a fine line between looking at ways to make it work…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stephen-harper/we-re-always-willing-to-look-at-ways-nafta-can-work-better-but-it-s-a/) [Stephen Harper](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stephen-harper/) > [“Duty is a done deal.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lailah-gifty-akita/duty-is-a-done-deal/) [Lailah Gifty Akita](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lailah-gifty-akita/) > [“All the major players were our clients. I had handled the conflicting demands, pacified the volatile tempers, and anticipated and circumvented the irrational tantrums.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/juliann-garey/all-the-major-players-were-our-clients-i-had-handled-the-conflicting/) [Juliann Garey](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/juliann-garey/) > [Donald Trump so far is sending a signal that he's going to run the government like his business and maybe that's going to work.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/bill-o-reilly/donald-trump-so-far-is-sending-a-signal-that-he-s-going-to-run-the/) [Bill O'Reilly](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/bill-o-reilly/) > [The human spirit will not invest itself in a compromise.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/robert-fritz/the-human-spirit-will-not-invest-itself-in-a-compromise/) [Robert Fritz](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/robert-fritz/) > [A lasting relationship consists of the 3 C's: Commitment. Communication. Compromise.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/nishan-panwar/a-lasting-relationship-consists-of-the-3-c-s-commitment-communication/) [Nishan Panwar](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/nishan-panwar/) > [As a politician - particularly as a politician in a coalition - you quickly realise that compromise is a part of the game. But…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/edward-davey/as-a-politician-particularly-as-a-politician-in-a-coalition-you/) [Edward Davey](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/edward-davey/) > [When you give your 100% to your compromises then they become sacrifices… And sacrifices never hurt us,they give us a smile on our face,a…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/melchor-lim/when-you-give-your-100-to-your-compromises-then-they-become/) [Melchor Lim](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/melchor-lim/) > [You don't bargain with terrorists. You don't appease terrorists. And anybody who believes that this is about something we've done has to ask themselves…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/michael-chertoff/you-don-t-bargain-with-terrorists-you-don-t-appease-terrorists-and/) [Michael Chertoff](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/michael-chertoff/) > [“Shortly before we closed the deal, Randy Michaels and Terry Jacobs, who were running Jacor, came to me to finance the acquisition of a…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sam-zell/shortly-before-we-closed-the-deal-randy-michaels-and-terry-jacobs-who/) [Sam Zell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sam-zell/) > ['Fair' is, like, this incredibly overused term in negotiations: 'I just want what's fair.' 'What's the fair market price?'](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/christopher-voss/fair-is-like-this-incredibly-overused-term-in-negotiations-i-just/) [Christopher Voss](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/christopher-voss/) > [The Fundamental Principle that governs - or ought to govern -human affairs if we wish to avoid misunderstandings, conflicts, or pointless utopias, is negotiation.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/umberto-eco/the-fundamental-principle-that-governs-or-ought-to-govern-human/) [Umberto Eco](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/umberto-eco/) > [Negotiation is often described as the art of letting the other side have your way. You have to give the other side a chance…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/christopher-voss/negotiation-is-often-described-as-the-art-of-letting-the-other-side/) [Christopher Voss](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/christopher-voss/) [Browse all 1,728 Negotiation quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/negotiation/) ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "We don't point a pistol at our own forehead. 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