--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: I don't care how unkind the things people…" description: "\"I don't care how unkind the things people say about me so long as they don't say them to my face.\" — Ogden Nash" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/136/ogden-nash-1286_care_i-don-t-care-how-unkind-the-things-peopl_2780352.png" --- # I don't care how unkind the things people say about me so… ![“I don't care how unkind the things people say about me so long as they don't say them to my face.” quote by Ogden Nash](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/136/ogden-nash-1286_care_i-don-t-care-how-unkind-the-things-peopl_2780352.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/136/ogden-nash-1286_care_i-don-t-care-how-unkind-the-things-peopl_2780352.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/136/ogden-nash-1286_care_i-don-t-care-how-unkind-the-things-peopl_2780352.png) > “I don't care how unkind the things people say about me so long as they don't say them to my face.” [Ogden Nash](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ogden-nash/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. He dismisses unkind remarks unless spoken directly to his face. **In simple terms:** Only face‑to‑face insults matter. Key Takeaway Value direct, honest communication. Themes honesty reputation communication Mood lighthearted defiant Type philosophical inspirational When to use this quote - workplace feedback - personal relationships - public criticism - online discourse Key Concepts Social etiquette psychology Questions to Reflect On - Why do you ignore indirect insults? - What role does face‑to‑face honesty play? A Different Perspective Indirect criticism can still harm. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Care](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/care/) [Criticism](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/criticism/) [Faces](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/faces/) [People](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/people/) ## Related quotes > [“Just for the sake of a piece of pie, Some will speak unkind things about others and tell many lies”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/charmaine-j-forde/just-for-the-sake-of-a-piece-of-pie-some-will-speak-unkind-things/) [Charmaine J Forde](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/charmaine-j-forde/) > [Religion makes kind people say unkind things: "I must prove my faith, so mutilate the genitals of my children." They wouldn't do that if…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/christopher-hitchens/religion-makes-kind-people-say-unkind-things-i-must-prove-my-faith-so/) [Christopher Hitchens](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/christopher-hitchens/) > [I've said many, many, many unkind things about Philadelphia, and I meant every one.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/david-lynch/i-ve-said-many-many-many-unkind-things-about-philadelphia-and-i-meant/) [David Lynch](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/david-lynch/) > [If you lived in London, where the whole system is one of false good-fellowship, and you may know a man for twenty years without…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/george-bernard-shaw/if-you-lived-in-london-where-the-whole-system-is-one-of-false-good/) [George Bernard Shaw](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/george-bernard-shaw/) > [We veneer civilization by doing unkind things in a kind way.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/george-bernard-shaw/we-veneer-civilization-by-doing-unkind-things-in-a-kind-way/) [George Bernard Shaw](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/george-bernard-shaw/) > [People have said unkind things and you kind of have to, if you happen to read it, you have to just, you know, move…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-hawkes/people-have-said-unkind-things-and-you-kind-of-have-to-if-you-happen/) [John Hawkes](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-hawkes/) > [I don't mind their having a lot of money, and I don't care how they employ it, but I do think that they damn…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ogden-nash/i-don-t-mind-their-having-a-lot-of-money-and-i-don-t-care-how-they/) [Ogden Nash](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ogden-nash/) > [I don't care what people say about my relationship; I don't care what they say about my boobs. People are buying my songs; I…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/katy-perry/i-don-t-care-what-people-say-about-my-relationship-i-don-t-care-what/) [Katy Perry](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/katy-perry/) > [Generally I don't care about what people say. I have to be clear with myself. When everything goes well, people celebrate you, when you…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sebastian-vettel/generally-i-don-t-care-about-what-people-say-i-have-to-be-clear-with/) [Sebastian Vettel](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sebastian-vettel/) > [I don't care what people say. My music's, my music.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/enrique-iglesias/i-don-t-care-what-people-say-my-music-s-my-music/) [Enrique Iglesias](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/enrique-iglesias/) > [Don't say you're straight up when you don't say anything to my face.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/chinks-pigs/don-t-say-you-re-straight-up-when-you-don-t-say-anything-to-my-face/) Chinks & Pigs > [Say it to my face, not through your status!](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/say-it-to-my-face-not-through-your-status/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [“If you want to call it quits, just tell me. Man up and say it to my face. Don’t just skulk around.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/j-m-richards/if-you-want-to-call-it-quits-just-tell-me-man-up-and-say-it-to-my/) [J.M. Richards](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/j-m-richards/) > [If you can say something to people that's maybe a little bit insulting, but they're kind of giggling as they are hearing it, if…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mark-critch/if-you-can-say-something-to-people-that-s-maybe-a-little-bit/) [Mark Critch](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mark-critch/) > [A part of me changed. I miss you more than anything. I don't know if I'll ever be able to say all of this…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/a-part-of-me-changed-i-miss-you-more-than-anything-i-don-t-know-if-i/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) ## More by Ogden Nash > [There is only one way to achieve happiness on this terrestrial ball, and that is to have either a clear conscience or none at…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ogden-nash/there-is-only-one-way-to-achieve-happiness-on-this-terrestrial-ball/) [Ogden Nash](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ogden-nash/) > [The sky is now indelible ink, The branches reft asunder; But you and I we do not shrink; We love the lovely thunder.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ogden-nash/the-sky-is-now-indelible-ink-the-branches-reft-asunder-but-you-and-i/) [Ogden Nash](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ogden-nash/) > [Middle-aged life is merry, and I love to lead it.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ogden-nash/middle-aged-life-is-merry-and-i-love-to-lead-it/) [Ogden Nash](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ogden-nash/) > [When a lady's erotic life is vexed God knows what God is coming next.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ogden-nash/when-a-lady-s-erotic-life-is-vexed-god-knows-what-god-is-coming-next/) [Ogden Nash](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ogden-nash/) > [“Love is a word that is constantly heard, Hate is a word that is not. Love, I am told, is more precious that gold.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ogden-nash/love-is-a-word-that-is-constantly-heard-hate-is-a-word-that-is-not/) [Ogden Nash](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ogden-nash/) > [A husband is a guy who tells you when you've got on too much lipstick and helps you with your girdle when your hips…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ogden-nash/a-husband-is-a-guy-who-tells-you-when-you-ve-got-on-too-much-lipstick/) [Ogden Nash](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ogden-nash/) > [Marriage is the alliance of two people, one of whom never remembers birthdays and the other never forgets them.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ogden-nash/marriage-is-the-alliance-of-two-people-one-of-whom-never-remembers/) [Ogden Nash](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ogden-nash/) > [I claim there ain't Another Saint As great as Valentine.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ogden-nash/i-claim-there-ain-t-another-saint-as-great-as-valentine/) [Ogden Nash](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ogden-nash/) > [“Senescence begins And middle-age ends The day your descendants Outnumber your friends”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ogden-nash/senescence-begins-and-middle-age-ends-the-day-your-descendants/) [Ogden Nash](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ogden-nash/) > [Poets arent very usefulBecause they aren't consumeful or produceful..](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ogden-nash/poets-arent-very-usefulbecause-they-aren-t-consumeful-or-produceful/) [Ogden Nash](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ogden-nash/) > [I don't mind their having a lot of money, and I don't care how they employ it, but I do think that they damn…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ogden-nash/i-don-t-mind-their-having-a-lot-of-money-and-i-don-t-care-how-they/) [Ogden Nash](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ogden-nash/) > [To maintain your marriage brimming, with really like in the wedding cup, anytime you are incorrect, admit it each time you're proper, shut up.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ogden-nash/to-maintain-your-marriage-brimming-with-really-like-in-the-wedding/) [Ogden Nash](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ogden-nash/) > [No, you never get any fun Out of the things you haven't done.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ogden-nash/no-you-never-get-any-fun-out-of-the-things-you-haven-t-done/) [Ogden Nash](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ogden-nash/) > [“Which the Chicken and Which the Egg? He drinks because she scolds, he thinks; She thinks she scolds because he drinks; And nether will…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ogden-nash/which-the-chicken-and-which-the-egg-he-drinks-because-she-scolds-he/) [Ogden Nash](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ogden-nash/) > [“People can't concentrate properly on blowing other people to pieces if their minds are poisoned by thoughts suitable to the twenty-fifth of December.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ogden-nash/people-can-t-concentrate-properly-on-blowing-other-people-to-pieces/) [Ogden Nash](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ogden-nash/) [Explore all 261 Ogden Nash quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ogden-nash/) ## More Care quotes > [I think, here's what I've realized from interviewing people, and I've been very open about my Catholicism and my love of Christ and I…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jay-mohr/i-think-here-s-what-i-ve-realized-from-interviewing-people-and-i-ve/) [Jay Mohr](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jay-mohr/) > [We all know what it feels like to love someone and care about them and want to protect them.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/kiana-madeira/we-all-know-what-it-feels-like-to-love-someone-and-care-about-them/) [Kiana Madeira](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/kiana-madeira/) > [Young men, especially in America, write to me and ask me to recommend “a course of reading.” Distrust a course of reading! People who…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/andrew-lang/young-men-especially-in-america-write-to-me-and-ask-me-to-recommend-a/) [Andrew Lang](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/andrew-lang/) > [I certainly do care for you Jeff Campbell less than you are always thinking and much more than you are ever knowing](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gertrude-stein/i-certainly-do-care-for-you-jeff-campbell-less-than-you-are-always/) [Gertrude Stein](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gertrude-stein/) > [Advances in technology will continue to reach far into every sector of our economy. Future job and economic growth in industry, defense, transportation, agriculture,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/christopher-bond/advances-in-technology-will-continue-to-reach-far-into-every-sector/) [Christopher Bond](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/christopher-bond/) > [As a child, I had a lot of older gay men taking care of me. There's a trust there. I feel like little girls…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/margaret-cho/as-a-child-i-had-a-lot-of-older-gay-men-taking-care-of-me-there-s-a/) [Margaret Cho](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/margaret-cho/) > [I believe in taxation and health care that is outside the usual libertarian mandate, because I don't want people to have to suffer. It's…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/neil-peart/i-believe-in-taxation-and-health-care-that-is-outside-the-usual/) [Neil Peart](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/neil-peart/) > [The biggest change for me as a mom was realizing I needed to put someone else before me. Now the hardest part about the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/kim-alexis/the-biggest-change-for-me-as-a-mom-was-realizing-i-needed-to-put/) [Kim Alexis](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/kim-alexis/) > [What makes you care about nature, about the planet? Is it really that you're afraid of what's going to happen if you don't take…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/charles-eisenstein/what-makes-you-care-about-nature-about-the-planet-is-it-really-that/) [Charles Eisenstein](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/charles-eisenstein/) > [You feed yourself. Make sure you have all the information, whether it's aesthetic, scientific, mathematical, I don't care what it is. Then you walk…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ray-bradbury/you-feed-yourself-make-sure-you-have-all-the-information-whether-it-s/) [Ray Bradbury](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ray-bradbury/) > [When you're in your twenties and starting out, the problem is that you care about being cool. Being older, I can care less about…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/james-righton/when-you-re-in-your-twenties-and-starting-out-the-problem-is-that-you/) [James Righton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/james-righton/) > [When will society, like a mother, take care of all her children?](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/horace-mann/when-will-society-like-a-mother-take-care-of-all-her-children/) [Horace Mann](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/horace-mann/) > [I don't care if you make a print on a bath mat, just as long as it is a good print.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/edward-weston/i-don-t-care-if-you-make-a-print-on-a-bath-mat-just-as-long-as-it-is/) [Edward Weston](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/edward-weston/) > [The world's problems are, by and large, human problems-the unavoidable consequence of egoic sleepwalking. If we care to look, all the signs are present…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/adyashanti/the-world-s-problems-are-by-and-large-human-problems-the-unavoidable/) [Adyashanti](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/adyashanti/) > [There are a lot of kids out there copying and distributing movies - not because they care about seeing the movies or sharing them…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-perry-barlow/there-are-a-lot-of-kids-out-there-copying-and-distributing-movies-not/) [John Perry Barlow](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-perry-barlow/) [Browse all 19,019 Care quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/care/) ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "I don't care how unkind the things people say about me so long as they don't say them to my face.", "creator": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Ogden Nash" }, "isPartOf": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website" }, "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ogden-nash/i-don-t-care-how-unkind-the-things-people-say-about-me-so-long-as/", "about": { "@type": "Thing", "name": "Care" }, "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ogden-nash/i-don-t-care-how-unkind-the-things-people-say-about-me-so-long-as/#quotation", "image": { "@type": "ImageObject", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/136/ogden-nash-1286_care_i-don-t-care-how-unkind-the-things-peopl_2780352.png", "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/136/ogden-nash-1286_care_i-don-t-care-how-unkind-the-things-peopl_2780352.png", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/136/ogden-nash-1286_care_i-don-t-care-how-unkind-the-things-peopl_2780352.png", "width": 1080, "height": 1080, "caption": "“I don't care how unkind the things people say about me so long as they don't say them to my face.” — Ogden Nash", "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "creator": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } } }, { "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Quotes", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "Ogden Nash", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ogden-nash/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 4, "name": "I don't care how unkind the...", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ogden-nash/i-don-t-care-how-unkind-the-things-people-say-about-me-so-long-as/" } ], "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ogden-nash/i-don-t-care-how-unkind-the-things-people-say-about-me-so-long-as/#breadcrumb" }, { "@type": "WebSite", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website", "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/", "publisher": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } }, { "@type": "Organization", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization", "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/", "logo": { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/wp-content/themes/sq/assets/icons/icon-512.png", "width": 512, "height": 512 } } ] } ```