Ears Quote by Lord Chesterfield
“Mind not only what people say, but how they say it; and if you have any sagacity, you may discover more truth by your eyes than by your ears. People can say what they will, but they cannot look just as they will; and their looks frequently (reveal) what their words are calculated to conceal.”
About This Quote
Source Letter: 1748, to Sir William Temple, England
Observing tone and facial cues reveals deeper truth than words alone.
In simple terms: Body language often betrays hidden meaning.
Key Takeaway
Watch non‑verbal signals for honesty.
Themes
communication
perception
truth
trust
observation
Mood
cautious
analytical
Type
advisory
observational
When to use this quote
- interviews
- negotiations
- personal relationships
- conflict resolution
Key Concepts
psychology
social dynamics
nonverbal communication
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you verify what you see?
- What biases affect your reading of facial expressions?
A Different Perspective
Non‑verbal cues can be misleading if misinterpreted.
![“Well the first time I performed, my mom was like how she is now when sees me on stage – all red, smiling from ear to ear. So I don’t want to mess up, [be]cause she’s smiling. Seeing my mom happy is kind of like an overwhelming feeling.” quote by Chris Brown](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/477/chris-brown-1887_causes_well-the-first-time-i-performed-my-mom-w_4699.jpg)
