Civility Quote by Kenny Smith
“I regret not getting brutally forthright with human beings a hell of a lot sooner than I did. Civility and obliquity are wasted on people who will not make the effort to be harsher or stricter on their own gooey egos than they are on other people.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: Podcast interview, 2023
The speaker regrets not being more direct earlier, believing civility wastes time on those unwilling to challenge their own egos.
In simple terms: Regret for not being blunt sooner.
Key Takeaway
Be honest early to avoid wasted effort.
Themes
honesty
self‑awareness
communication
Mood
reflective
critical
Type
advice
personal
When to use this quote
- personal relationships
- team leadership
- conflict resolution
- self‑improvement
Key Concepts
ego
civility
directness
Questions to Reflect On
- How could earlier bluntness have changed outcomes?
- When is civility more valuable than bluntness?
A Different Perspective
People may resist harshness, causing backlash.
