Ball player Quote by Viet Thanh Nguyen
““All sorts of situations exist where one tells lies in order to reach an acceptable truth, and our conversation continued thus until we agreed on the mutually acceptable sum of ten thousand dollars, which, if being only half what I asked for, was twice their original offer. After the representative wrote a new check, I signed the documents and we traded farewell pleasantries that were worth as little as the trading cards of unknown baseball players.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Sympathizer by Viet Thanh Nguyen, 2015
Negotiation can involve deception to reach a compromise that feels acceptable to both parties, even if the truth is partially hidden.
In simple terms: People sometimes lie to make a deal seem fair.
Key Takeaway
Accept that compromise may involve partial truths.
Themes
negotiation
ethics
compromise
deception
truth
Mood
cautious
reflective
Type
ethical
pragmatic
When to use this quote
- business deals
- legal settlements
- personal relationships
- political treaties
Key Concepts
strategic lying
mutual benefit
power dynamics
Questions to Reflect On
- When is lying justified in negotiation?
- How does compromise affect long‑term relationships?
A Different Perspective
Compromise may erode trust if deception is discovered.
