Weak Quote by Honoré de Balzac
““Mes enfants, you mustn't go at things head-on, you are too weak; take it from me and take it from an angle... Play dead, play the sleeping dog.””
About This Quote
When strength is lacking, indirect approaches—patience, subtlety—can achieve goals more safely than direct confrontation.
In simple terms: Use indirect tactics when weak.
Strategic patience beats brute force.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- negotiating a raise
- de-escalating a heated argument
- solving a complex problem
Key Concepts
Practical Applications
- adopt a measured stance
- observe before acting
Questions to Reflect On
- When is indirect action more ethical than direct?
- What risks does patience entail?
May encourage avoidance of necessary confrontation.