--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Cunning is the art of concealing our own…" description: "\"Cunning is the art of concealing our own defects, and discovering other people's weaknesses.\" — William Hazlitt" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/f13/william-hazlitt-326_art_cunning-is-the-art-of-concealing-our-own_1828294.png" --- # Cunning is the art of concealing our own defects, and… ![“Cunning is the art of concealing our own defects, and discovering other people's weaknesses.” quote by William Hazlitt](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/f13/william-hazlitt-326_art_cunning-is-the-art-of-concealing-our-own_1828294.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/f13/william-hazlitt-326_art_cunning-is-the-art-of-concealing-our-own_1828294.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/f13/william-hazlitt-326_art_cunning-is-the-art-of-concealing-our-own_1828294.png) > “Cunning is the art of concealing our own defects, and discovering other people's weaknesses.” [William Hazlitt](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/william-hazlitt/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Cunning involves hiding one's flaws while exploiting others' vulnerabilities. **In simple terms:** Hide flaws, exploit others. Key Takeaway Beware of using cunning against others. Themes manipulation self-awareness power dynamics Mood cautious analytical Type ethical strategic When to use this quote - Workplace politics - personal relationships - negotiations - leadership - conflict resolution Key Concepts Psychology strategic behavior Questions to Reflect On - How do you balance self‑protection with ethical behavior? - When is strategic insight justified? A Different Perspective Cunning can erode trust and damage long‑term relationships. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Art](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/art/) [Defects](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/defects/) [People](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/people/) [Weaknesses](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/weaknesses/) ## Related quotes > [As creeping ivy clings to wood or stone, And hides the ruin that it feeds upon, So sophistry, cleaves close to, and protects Sin's…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/william-cowper/as-creeping-ivy-clings-to-wood-or-stone-and-hides-the-ruin-that-it/) [William Cowper](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/william-cowper/) > [With care, and skill, and cunning art, She parried Time's malicious dart, And kept the years at bay, Till passion entered in her heart…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ella-wheeler-wilcox/with-care-and-skill-and-cunning-art-she-parried-time-s-malicious-dart/) [Ella Wheeler Wilcox](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ella-wheeler-wilcox/) > [Money never can be well managed if sought solely through the greed of money for its own sake. 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