--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: If I have said something to hurt a man…" description: "\"If I have said something to hurt a man once, I shall not get the better of this by saying many things to please him.\" — Samuel Johnson" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/720/samuel-johnson-50_hurt_if-i-have-said-something-to-hurt-a-man-o_2571250.png" --- # If I have said something to hurt a man once, I shall not… ![“If I have said something to hurt a man once, I shall not get the better of this by saying many things to please him.” quote by Samuel Johnson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/720/samuel-johnson-50_hurt_if-i-have-said-something-to-hurt-a-man-o_2571250.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/720/samuel-johnson-50_hurt_if-i-have-said-something-to-hurt-a-man-o_2571250.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/720/samuel-johnson-50_hurt_if-i-have-said-something-to-hurt-a-man-o_2571250.png) > “If I have said something to hurt a man once, I shall not get the better of this by saying many things to please him.” [Samuel Johnson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/samuel-johnson/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. If you hurt a man once, don’t try to please him with many words later. **In simple terms:** Don’t compensate hurt with excessive flattery. Key Takeaway Speak sincerely, not manipulatively. Themes ethics communication integrity Mood reflective ethical Type advice philosophical When to use this quote - personal relationships - conflict resolution - public discourse Key Concepts reparative language honesty Questions to Reflect On - What is the right balance of apology? - How can we avoid insincere gestures? 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