Action Quote by Hanif Kureishi
“Almost certainly I will not tell her my intentions this evening or tonight. I will put it off. Why? Because words are actions and they make things happen. Once they are out you cannot put them back.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: The Guardian, Hanif Kureishi, 1998
Delaying disclosure of intentions can prevent irreversible consequences; words act as commitments.
In simple terms: Think before you speak.
Key Takeaway
Consider impact before speaking.
Themes
communication
responsibility
decision‑making
Mood
thoughtful
cautious
Type
ethical
pragmatic
When to use this quote
- personal relationships
- negotiations
- public statements
- conflict resolution
Key Concepts
commitment
speech act theory
Questions to Reflect On
- When should you speak versus stay silent?
- How do you repair spoken commitments?
A Different Perspective
Silence can also be misinterpreted or cause anxiety.
![“Harvey [Weinstein] didn't want to release [MY SON THE FANATIC]; he held it for two years because he wanted a happy ending, although I don't know what that means. Does that mean the taxi driver leaves his wife or doesn't leave his wife? I think it has a happy ending.” quote by Hanif Kureishi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/434/hanif-kureishi-3233_crafts_harvey-weinstein-didn-t-want-to-release_17929.jpg)
