Advantage Quote by Charles de Lint
“Thing is, while I know better, I like sounding ignorant. Talk like this and people figure you're about as dumb as a fencepost, which suits me fine. Makes it all that much easier to take advantage of 'em.”
About This Quote
Source Novel: Moonheart by Charles de Lint, 1984
The speaker admits to feigning ignorance to manipulate others, finding it easier to exploit them when they underestimate him.
In simple terms: Pretending to be dumb lets him control people.
Key Takeaway
Use honesty to build trust, not deception.
Themes
manipulation
deception
power dynamics
Mood
cautious
reflective
Type
advice
philosophical
When to use this quote
- Negotiations
- team leadership
- personal relationships
Key Concepts
Social engineering
psychology
self-awareness
Questions to Reflect On
- Do you ever hide knowledge to gain advantage?
- What are the costs of deceiving others?
A Different Perspective
Exploiting others erodes long‑term credibility and relationships.
![“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)
