Air Quote by Elizabeth Bowen
“With three or more people there is something bold in the air: direct things get said which would frighten two people alone and conscious of each inch of their nearness to one another. To be three is to be in public - you feel safe.”
About This Quote
Source Novel: The House in Paris, 1935
In groups of three, people feel safer to speak boldly, unlike when only two are present.
In simple terms: Three people feel safer to speak openly.
Key Takeaway
Leverage group dynamics for honest dialogue.
Themes
communication
social safety
group dynamics
Mood
thoughtful
analytical
Type
observational
philosophical
When to use this quote
- team meetings
- conflict resolution
- public speaking
Key Concepts
psychology
interpersonal relations
confidence
Questions to Reflect On
- How does group size affect honesty?
- When is a larger audience counterproductive?
A Different Perspective
May not apply in cultures valuing privacy.
![“Just between you and me, shouldn’t the World Bank be encouraging MORE migration of the dirty industries to the LDCs [Less Developed Countries]?... I think the economic logic behind dumping a load of toxic waste in the lowest wage country is impeccable and we should face up to that... I’ve always…” quote by Lawrence Summers](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/ac4/lawrence-summers-16940_air_just-between-you-and-me-shouldn-t-the-wo_4703.jpg)
![“[A]s you partake of the world's bill of fare, that's darned good advice to follow. Do a lot of spitting out the hot air. And be careful what you swallow.” quote by Dr. Seuss](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/da8/dr-seuss-1224_advice_a-s-you-partake-of-the-world-s-bill-of-f_6806.jpg)