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Body language Quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson

“When the eyes say one thing, and the tongue another, a practiced man relies on the language of the first.” quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson
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“When the eyes say one thing, and the tongue another, a practiced man relies on the language of the first.”

Ralph Waldo Emerson

About This Quote

Source Essay: Self‑Reliance, 1841

When words conflict, a wise person trusts the deeper, non‑verbal truth expressed by the eyes.

In simple terms: Trust the unspoken truth.

Key Takeaway

Listen to non‑verbal cues.

Themes

communication integrity intuition

Mood

thoughtful reflective

Type

philosophical practical

When to use this quote

  • interpersonal conflict
  • leadership
  • negotiation
  • relationship building

Key Concepts

philosophy psychology

Questions to Reflect On

  • When should I prioritize spoken words over body language?
  • How can I balance intuition with reason?
A Different Perspective

Over‑reliance on intuition may ignore rational evidence.

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