Business Quote by Bernard Meltzer
“If you have learned how to disagree without being disagreeable, then you have discovered the secrete of getting along - whether it be business, family relations, or life itself.”
About This Quote
Source Book: “The Art of Disagreeing” by Bernard Meltzer, 1998
Disagreeing respectfully preserves relationships; the skill lies in separating ideas from personal attacks.
In simple terms: Argue ideas, not people.
Key Takeaway
Practice respectful disagreement.
Themes
communication
conflict management
empathy
relationships
Mood
calm
constructive
thoughtful
Type
advice
inspirational
When to use this quote
- workplace meetings
- family dinners
- online forums
- community boards
Key Concepts
active listening
non‑violent communication
civility
Questions to Reflect On
- When have you successfully disagreed without conflict?
- What techniques help you stay calm during disagreement?
A Different Perspective
Some may view disagreement as weakness, hindering honest dialogue.
![“[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)