--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: I should have said the right thing just…" description: "\"“I should have said the right thing just then, but I did not know what that would be, if such a thing existed, I did not think so, and those who said i..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/75f/per-petterson-8468_right-thing_i-should-have-said-the-right-thing-just_636067.png" --- # I should have said the right thing just then, but I did… ![“I should have said the right thing just then, but I did not know what that would be, if such a thing existed, I did not think so, and those who said it did, knew nothing. So I said the first thing that came into my head. "Are you afraid?". I said.” quote by Per Petterson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/75f/per-petterson-8468_right-thing_i-should-have-said-the-right-thing-just_636067.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/75f/per-petterson-8468_right-thing_i-should-have-said-the-right-thing-just_636067.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/75f/per-petterson-8468_right-thing_i-should-have-said-the-right-thing-just_636067.png) > ““I should have said the right thing just then, but I did not know what that would be, if such a thing existed, I did not think so, and those who said it did, knew nothing. So I said the first thing that came into my head. "Are you afraid?". I said.”” [Per Petterson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/per-petterson/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Spontaneous questioning reveals hidden fears, prompting self‑examination. **In simple terms:** A sudden question uncovers anxiety. Key Takeaway Use unexpected prompts to explore inner doubts. Themes psychology self‑awareness communication Mood reflective curious Type philosophical psychological When to use this quote - therapy sessions - team meetings - educational workshops Key Concepts fear identification dialogue techniques personal growth Questions to Reflect On - What does “Are you afraid?” uncover in you? - How can you follow up on such a question? 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