--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: I was originally going to be a lawyer…" description: "\"I was originally going to be a lawyer, and the only thing I remember from the art of cross-examination is - you can see this one coming up Sixth Avenue..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/7ad/james-lipton-13418_answers_i-was-originally-going-to-be-a-lawyer-an_842209.jpg" --- # I was originally going to be a lawyer, and the only thing… ![“I was originally going to be a lawyer, and the only thing I remember from the art of cross-examination is - you can see this one coming up Sixth Avenue - never ask a question the answer to which you do not know.” quote by James Lipton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/7ad/james-lipton-13418_answers_i-was-originally-going-to-be-a-lawyer-an_842209.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/7ad/james-lipton-13418_answers_i-was-originally-going-to-be-a-lawyer-an_842209.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/7ad/james-lipton-13418_answers_i-was-originally-going-to-be-a-lawyer-an_842209.jpg) > “I was originally going to be a lawyer, and the only thing I remember from the art of cross-examination is - you can see this one coming up Sixth Avenue - never ask a question the answer to which you do not know.” [James Lipton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/james-lipton/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Never ask a question you cannot answer, as it reveals your own ignorance and undermines credibility. **In simple terms:** Avoid questions you can't answer. Key Takeaway Know your material before questioning. Themes integrity communication strategy Mood cautious professional Type advice instructional When to use this quote - courtroom - debates - interviews - teaching - media appearances Key Concepts critical thinking preparation risk management Questions to Reflect On - What topics are you unprepared for? - How can you prepare to avoid this pitfall? A Different Perspective If you lack knowledge, you may expose yourself to ridicule. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Art](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/art/) [Ask A Question](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/ask-a-question/) [Lawyer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/lawyer/) [Truth Seeking](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/truth-seeking/) ## Related quotes > [Cross-examination is the greatest legal engine ever invented for the discovery of truth. 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Especially come tax time.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/cris-collinsworth/believe-me-i-m-not-longing-for-the-days-when-i-was-going-to-become-a/) [Cris Collinsworth](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/cris-collinsworth/) > [I wasn't going to be an actor. I was going to be a lawyer. 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