--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: All men have a feeling, that they would…" description: "\"All men have a feeling, that they would rather you told them a civil lie than give them a point blank refusal… If you make a promise, the thing is stil..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/794/marcus-tullius-cicero-157_blank_all-men-have-a-feeling-that-they-would-r_1898804.jpg" --- # All men have a feeling, that they would rather you told… ![“All men have a feeling, that they would rather you told them a civil lie than give them a point blank refusal… If you make a promise, the thing is still uncertain, depends on a future day, and concerns but few people; but if you refuse you alienate people to a certainty and at once, and many…” quote by Marcus Tullius Cicero](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/794/marcus-tullius-cicero-157_blank_all-men-have-a-feeling-that-they-would-r_1898804.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/794/marcus-tullius-cicero-157_blank_all-men-have-a-feeling-that-they-would-r_1898804.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/794/marcus-tullius-cicero-157_blank_all-men-have-a-feeling-that-they-would-r_1898804.jpg) > “All men have a feeling, that they would rather you told them a civil lie than give them a point blank refusal… If you make a promise, the thing is still uncertain, depends on a future day, and concerns but few people; but if you refuse you alienate people to a certainty and at once, and many people too.” [Marcus Tullius Cicero](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/marcus-tullius-cicero/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. People prefer vague promises over blunt refusals because lies preserve relationships while refusals create certainty and alienation. **In simple terms:** People like soft lies more than harsh truths. Key Takeaway Consider honesty versus kindness in communication. Themes honesty relationships communication Mood reflective analytical Type ethical pragmatic When to use this quote - business negotiations - personal relationships - political discourse - conflict resolution Key Concepts political rhetoric psychology Questions to Reflect On - When is a lie justified? - How can you refuse kindly? A Different Perspective Hard truths can damage trust; sometimes a gentle lie maintains harmony. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Certainty](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/certainty/) [Feelings](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/feelings/) [Giving](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/giving/) [Lying](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/lying/) [Men](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/men/) [People](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/people/) [Promise](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/promise/) ## Related quotes > [“There is still hope that if the people refuse to give up and keep silent, no matter how long or inconsequential their voices could…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sunday-adelaja/there-is-still-hope-that-if-the-people-refuse-to-give-up-and-keep/) [Sunday Adelaja](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sunday-adelaja/) > [“When people refuse to pay the price of personal responsibility for the problems of the nation, these same people end up paying the high…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sunday-adelaja/when-people-refuse-to-pay-the-price-of-personal-responsibility-for/) [Sunday Adelaja](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sunday-adelaja/) > [While all other things are uncertain, evanescent, and ephemeral, virtue alone is fixed with deep roots; it can neither be overthrown by any violence…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/marcus-tullius-cicero/while-all-other-things-are-uncertain-evanescent-and-ephemeral-virtue/) [Marcus Tullius Cicero](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/marcus-tullius-cicero/) > [People may refuse to see the truth of our arguments, but they cannot evade the evidence of a holy life.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/j-c-ryle/people-may-refuse-to-see-the-truth-of-our-arguments-but-they-cannot/) [J. 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