Curiosity Quote by Sydney J. Harris
“Many a secret that cannot be pried out by curiosity can be drawn out by indifference.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: “The Power of Indifference” (1965) by Sydney J. Harris
Indifference can coax secrets that curiosity cannot, because people lower defenses when they feel unimportant.
In simple terms: Sometimes ignoring someone makes them reveal more.
Key Takeaway
Use calm detachment to encourage openness.
Themes
psychology
communication
secrets
Mood
thoughtful
analytical
Type
philosophical
psychological
When to use this quote
- interrogations
- conflict resolution
- personal relationships
Key Concepts
indifference
trust
reveal
Questions to Reflect On
- When is it ethical to use indifference?
- How does indifference differ from apathy?
A Different Perspective
Indifference may be perceived as cold or manipulative.
![“We have no clear ideas of the agency of [demonic] spirits, nor is it necessary. The Scripture says little to satisfy our curiosity; but tells us plainly that he is always watching us, and desiring to sift us as wheat. I believe we give him no more than his due, when we charge him with having a…” quote by John Newton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/c75/john-newton-6629_abundance_we-have-no-clear-ideas-of-the-agency-of_2907.jpg)
![“[T]he question "What is everything?" has no meaning, even though it seems to be profound. [...] The point is, perhaps, that I am not looking for a verbal answer, just as when I ask for a kiss, I do not want a piece of paper with "A kiss" written on it. It is rather that metaphysical wonder looks…” quote by Alan W. Watts](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/705/alan-w-watts-9497_curiosity_t-he-question-what-is-everything-has-no_3984.jpg)
![“By profession a biologist, [Thomas Henry Huxley] covered in fact the whole field of the exact sciences, and then bulged through its four fences. Absolutely nothing was uninteresting to him. His curiosity ranged from music to theology and from philosophy to history. He didn't simply know something…” quote by H. L. Mencken](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/f46/h-l-mencken-245_absolutely-nothing_by-profession-a-biologist-thomas-henry-h_5368.jpg)
