quotations about tact
Tact ... is the unsaid part of what you think.... And there is only one thing more potent--its opposite--the unthought part of what you say.
HENRY VAN DYKE
Camp-fires and Guide-posts: A Book of Essays and Excursions
It cannot be denied that tact is a virtue. The sort of person who always manages to blurt out the tactless thing, apparently by accident, is a person full of dislike of his or her fellow creatures. But although tact is a virtue, it is very closely allied to certain vices; the line between tact and hypocrisy is a very narrow one. I think the distinction comes in the motive: when it is kindliness that makes us wish to please, our tact is the right sort; when it is fear of offending, or desire to obtain some advantage by flattery, our tact is apt to be of a less amiable kind.
BERTRAND RUSSELL
Mortals and Others
The worst is when a lack of tact is disguised under a veil of concern. Oh, I'm just asking all these nosy-ass questions because I'm concerned.
KARA BROWN
"Mind Your Own Damn Business: An Ode to Tact", Jezebel, June 11, 2015
Tact carries no heavy weapons, but can do wonders with a sling and stone.
ANONYMOUS
The British Harbinger, April 1, 1870
Talk to every woman as if you loved her, and to every man as if he bored you, and at the end of your first season you will have the reputation of possessing the most perfect social tact.
OSCAR WILDE
A Woman of No Importance
Tact is the art of thinking twice before saying nothing.
EVAN ESAR
20,000 Quips & Quotes
The use of tact is always needful but it is especially necessary when speaking a truth that may strike a sensitive nerve in another.
ROBERT E. FISHER
Quick to Listen, Slow to Speak
Tact is a relation in which a nonverbal stimulus or circumstance acts as a discriminative stimulus for a verbal response.
H. W. REESE & L. J. PARROTT
Behavior Science: Philosophical, Methodological, and Empirical Advances
Throw back the little ones
And pan-fry the big ones
Use tact, poise and reason
And gently squeeze them
STEELY DAN
"Throw Back the Little Ones"
People with tact have less to retract.
ANONYMOUS
Tact is lauded as a virtue by the philosopher, the theologian, and by woman; yet, in truth, it is the very essence of deceitful subterfuge.
A. D. HARD
"Tact in the Practice of Medicine", Transactions of the Minnesota State Medical Association, Vol. 28
A spoonful of honey will catch more flies than a gallon of vinegar.
BENJAMIN FRANKLIN
Poor Richard's Almanack
Tact is the art of dressing the bare facts and draping the naked truth.
EVAN ESAR
20,000 Quips & Quotes
In the battle of existence, talent is the punch; tact is the clever footwork.
WILSON MIZNER
Speaker's Handbook of Epigrams and Witticisms
The possession of tact makes a man a diplomat; the lack of it makes him a miserable failure, irrespective of other ability.
A. D. HARD
"Tact in the Practice of Medicine", Transactions of the Minnesota State Medical Association, Vol. 28
Tact is giving a person a pat on the back when you feel like giving him a kick in the pants.
EVAN ESAR
20,000 Quips & Quotes
Tact is the art of making a point without making an enemy.
HOWARD W. NEWTON
attributed, Sylva, Vol. 1-3
Tact is a nimble-footed and nimble-fingered servant.
ANONYMOUS
The British Harbinger, April 1, 1870
Shushing a child when they point out someone's weight or disability doesn't teach them tact, it teaches them that being different isn't something we talk about. But we should talk about difference -- and often. Your child's questions (rather, assertions) are the perfect opportunity to help them begin to understand the world around them.
LYZ LENZ
"What To Do When Your Kid Says Something Wildly Offensive In Public", Refinery29, May 24, 2017
Tact from me is like blood from a stone.
KEATON HENSON
"Beekeeper"