Refusing Quote by Rex Stout
““The least offensive way of refusing a request is not to let it be made.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Maltese Falcon, Dashiell Hammett, 1930
Refusing a request politely means preventing it from being asked in the first place.
In simple terms: Prevent a request before it’s made.
Avoid making the request.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- personal relationships
- workplace negotiations
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you set expectations early?
- What are the risks of indirect refusal?