Clever Quote by Jean de la Bruyere
“A man has made great progress in cunning when he does not seem too clever to others.”
About This Quote
Source Novel: Les Caractères, 1668
Cunning is most effective when it appears natural and unassuming, allowing one to influence without detection.
In simple terms: Subtle cleverness works best.
Key Takeaway
Practice understated intelligence.
Themes
strategy
humility
influence
Mood
reflective
strategic
Type
literary
advice
When to use this quote
- leadership
- negotiation
- political maneuvering
Key Concepts
social dynamics
psychology
Questions to Reflect On
- When have you succeeded by being low‑key?
- How can humility mask strategic intent?
A Different Perspective
Risk of being perceived as manipulative.
![“The court is like a palace built of marble; I mean that it is made up of very hard but very polished people. [Fr., La cour est comme un edifice bati de marbre; je veux dire qu'elle est composee d'hommes fort durs mais fort polis.]” quote by Jean de la Bruyere](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/fcf/jean-de-la-bruyere-575_built_the-court-is-like-a-palace-built-of-marb_77288.jpg)
![“There was another reason [she] took her books whenever they went away. They were her home when she was somewhere strange. They were familiar voices, friends that never quarreled with her, clever, powerful friends -- daring and knowledgeable, tried and tested adventurers who had traveled far and…” quote by Cornelia Funke](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/639/cornelia-funke-908_adventurer_there-was-another-reason-she-took-her-bo_3074.jpg)
