--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: ... it does not do to tell great people…" description: "\"... it does not do to tell great people anything unpleasant.\" — Dinah Maria Murlock Craik" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/908/dinah-maria-murlock-craik-5329_doe_it-does-not-do-to-tell-great-people-anyt_2779433.jpg" --- # ... it does not do to tell great people anything unpleasant. ![“... it does not do to tell great people anything unpleasant.” quote by Dinah Maria Murlock Craik](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/908/dinah-maria-murlock-craik-5329_doe_it-does-not-do-to-tell-great-people-anyt_2779433.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/908/dinah-maria-murlock-craik-5329_doe_it-does-not-do-to-tell-great-people-anyt_2779433.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/908/dinah-maria-murlock-craik-5329_doe_it-does-not-do-to-tell-great-people-anyt_2779433.jpg) > “... it does not do to tell great people anything unpleasant.” [Dinah Maria Murlock Craik](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dinah-maria-murlock-craik/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Harsh truths should be softened when speaking to great people to preserve their dignity. **In simple terms:** Be gentle with the powerful. Key Takeaway Speak kindly to protect esteem. Themes etiquette communication leadership Mood reflective cautious Type philosophical advice When to use this quote - management feedback - political discourse - mentor advice - team meetings Key Concepts social dynamics psychology Questions to Reflect On - When is honesty more important than politeness? - How can you give constructive feedback respectfully? A Different Perspective Overprotecting may prevent necessary criticism. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Great people](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/great-people/) [People](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/people/) ## Related quotes > [“There will no longer be so many pleasant things to look at if responsible people do not do something about the unpleasant ones.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/madeleine-l-engle/there-will-no-longer-be-so-many-pleasant-things-to-look-at-if/) [Madeleine L'Engle](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/madeleine-l-engle/) > [“It’s not easy to kill; it’s not supposed to be. If it is, then there’s something wrong with you. But sometimes good people have…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/skip-coryell/it-s-not-easy-to-kill-it-s-not-supposed-to-be-if-it-is-then-there-s/) Skip Coryell > [“We want them to see their home planet," Mrs. Whatsit said. The Medium lost the delighted smile she had worn till then. 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