Appraisal Quote by Stefan Kieszling
“We shook hands. For a moment our eyes met - which I found surprisingly destabilizing. Then we pulled back and there was a mement of what seemed like mutual appraisal. For me, it was like being at a regatta, sizing up the competition on the dock before climbing into the shells. Could I take him? ... He could inflict serious damage. I sensed that. But he would be unfamiliar with rowers - men used to toiling backwards, blindly, trained, most of all, to endure.”
About This Quote
Source Novel: Unknown (fictional narrative), null
A brief encounter creates a tense, competitive assessment, highlighting both respect and fear of the opponent’s potential harm.
In simple terms: A meeting feels both unsettling and competitive.
Recognize and respect the opponent’s strengths.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- sports competition
- business negotiations
- first impressions
- conflict resolution
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you balance respect with caution?
- What cues reveal true intent?
The moment may mask deeper motives or misinterpretations.