Know how to say No

Wisdom and wit
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Reinhard

Know how to say No

Post by Reinhard » Tue Jul 30, 2013 11:50 pm

Know how to say No.

Since you cannot accede to everything, or to everybody, it becomes important to know how not to accede; and especially for those who command; for here enters manner. The No of one man is more esteemed, than the Yes of another; for a No that is gilded may be more satisfying than a Yes unembellished. Refusal should never be flat, the truth appearing by degrees, nor should it be absolute, for that would cancel dependence, wherefore some reinnant of hope must be kept alive, to sweeten the bitterness of the refusal. Employ courtliness to fill the void of the denial, and let pleasing words disguise the failure of action. Yes and No are quickly spoken, but they demand long consideration.

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