Clever Quote by Reginald Hill
““One of Dalziel's dicta for police and public was, if you can't be honest you'd better be fucking clever.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: A Man Called Horse by Reginald Hill, 1990
If honesty is impossible, cleverness becomes the alternative, but it may erode trust.
In simple terms: When honest is impossible, cleverness replaces it.
Key Takeaway
Choose honesty over cleverness.
Themes
honesty
cleverness
trust
Mood
skeptical
reflective
cautionary
Type
ethical
practical
When to use this quote
- police work
- public relations
- personal integrity
Key Concepts
ethics
communication
law enforcement
Questions to Reflect On
- Is cleverness a sustainable substitute for honesty?
- What are the long‑term costs of deception?
A Different Perspective
Cleverness can lead to manipulation.
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