Ability Quotes
Tact: the ability to describe others as they see themselves.
"Tact: the ability to describe others as they see themselves."— Abraham Lincoln
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Meaning of this quote
Tact involves understanding how other people perceive themselves. The definition frames diplomacy as sensitivity to another person’s self-image.
Key takeaway:
Consider another person’s perspective when choosing your words.
Origin of the quote
An anonymous saying documented in print after Lincoln’s lifetime.
Who actually said this?
Likely misattributedQuote Investigator finds no substantive Lincoln evidence. Mary Pettibone Poole later included it, but earlier circulation prevents assigning her sole authorship.
