Fine Quote by Elfriede Jelinek
“The first thing a proprietor learns, and painfully at that, is: Trust is fine, but control is better.”
About This Quote
Source Play: The Piano Teacher, 1988
Control outweighs trust because it guarantees predictable outcomes, while trust leaves room for uncertainty.
In simple terms: Control is safer than trust.
Prioritize oversight when stakes are high.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- business negotiations
- team management
- project oversight
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- When does control become counterproductive?
- How can trust be built without losing oversight?
Control can stifle creativity and morale.