Guard Quote by Mortimer Adler
“Ask others about themselves, at the same time, be on guard not to talk too much about yourself.”
About This Quote
Source Book: How to Read a Book, Mortimer Adler, 1940
Balancing curiosity about others with humility prevents self‑absorption and fosters genuine dialogue.
In simple terms: Ask about others, but don’t dominate conversation.
Key Takeaway
Listen more, speak less about yourself.
Themes
communication
humility
social etiquette
Mood
practical
thoughtful
Type
self‑help
philosophical
When to use this quote
- networking events
- team meetings
- social gatherings
Key Concepts
psychology
philosophy
Questions to Reflect On
- When is sharing about yourself appropriate?
- How do you gauge conversational balance?
A Different Perspective
Some contexts require self‑disclosure for trust.
