Humor Quote by P. G. Wodehouse
““I found myself wishing that Jeeves wasn't always so dashed tactful. I mean, it's all very well to remove yourself like an eel sliding into mud when the employer has a visitor, but there are moments — and it looked to me as if this was going to be one of them — when the truer tact is to stick round and stand ready to lend a hand in the free-for-all.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: Right Ho, Jeeves by P. G. Wodehouse, 1934
Sometimes being overly polite can hinder decisive action; direct involvement may be needed in chaotic moments.
In simple terms: Politeness can block needed help.
Key Takeaway
Know when to step in.
Themes
tact
decisiveness
social interaction
Mood
lighthearted
reflective
Type
humorous
observational
When to use this quote
- office politics
- family gatherings
- crisis management
Key Concepts
Wodehouse humor
social etiquette
Questions to Reflect On
- When should you abandon politeness for effectiveness?
- How does direct action change outcomes?
A Different Perspective
Over‑politeness may cause missed opportunities.
![“The worst of having so much tact was that you never quite knew whether other people were acting naturally or being tactful too. [The human element]” quote by W. Somerset Maugham](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/f61/w-somerset-maugham-237_acting_the-worst-of-having-so-much-tact-was-tha_1198360.jpg)
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