Carrying Quote by Otto von Bismarck
“When you say you agree to a thing in principle you mean that you have not the slightest intention of carrying it out in practice.”
About This Quote
People often agree in theory without any real intention to act, revealing hypocrisy.
In simple terms: Agreement can be empty.
Key Takeaway
Beware of empty promises.
Themes
politics
integrity
hypocrisy
Mood
skeptical
critical
Type
political
philosophical
When to use this quote
- business negotiations
- political debates
- team projects
Key Concepts
moral philosophy
social contracts
Questions to Reflect On
- Why do we sometimes agree without intent?
- What are the costs of insincere agreements?
A Different Perspective
Intentions may be genuine but constrained.
![“As to whether those who fit the common meaning of the term "intellectual" should act in the manner that [ Edward] Said prescribes, that's another question. Needless to say, I agree with him that they should, and that they commonly do not.” quote by Noam Chomsky](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/3a7/noam-chomsky-42_agree_as-to-whether-those-who-fit-the-common-m_2491969.jpg)
