Air Quote by Steven Erikson
“Oh yes, I have learned much from Tremorlor, and so assume a like strategy. Silence, a faint mocking smile suggesting I know more than I do, an air of mystery, yes, and fell knowledge. None could guess my confusion, my host of deluded illusions and elusive delusions!”
About This Quote
Source Novel: Malazan Book of the Fallen by Steven Erikson, 1999
Adopting a strategy of mystery and confidence can mask uncertainty, but may also create illusionary self‑deception.
In simple terms: Pretend to know more, hide doubts, but risk delusion.
Key Takeaway
Balance confidence with honest self‑assessment.
Themes
strategy
self‑presentation
illusion
Mood
cautious
analytical
Type
psychological
strategic
When to use this quote
- leadership meetings
- negotiations
- public speaking
- personal introspection
- team building
Key Concepts
Masking uncertainty
psychological defense
tactical ambiguity
Questions to Reflect On
- When does mystery become deception?
- How to reveal true knowledge responsibly?
A Different Perspective
Overreliance on façade can erode trust and clarity.
![“Just between you and me, shouldn’t the World Bank be encouraging MORE migration of the dirty industries to the LDCs [Less Developed Countries]?... I think the economic logic behind dumping a load of toxic waste in the lowest wage country is impeccable and we should face up to that... I’ve always…” quote by Lawrence Summers](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/ac4/lawrence-summers-16940_air_just-between-you-and-me-shouldn-t-the-wo_4703.jpg)
![“[A]s you partake of the world's bill of fare, that's darned good advice to follow. Do a lot of spitting out the hot air. And be careful what you swallow.” quote by Dr. Seuss](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/da8/dr-seuss-1224_advice_a-s-you-partake-of-the-world-s-bill-of-f_6806.jpg)