About this quote

Facts can clear things up and create new problems at the same time. Before you reveal something important, think who will be affected and what will change as a result. Ask yourself whether the news will actually help people or leave them worse off. If it could harm someone, choose how and when to say it and be ready to help deal with the consequences.

When to use it

• Work — when I'm about to tell the team that the project's budget has been cut, I remember that line and decide who to inform first and how to frame the message.
• Family — before confronting my sibling about a hidden debt, I pause and think about whether the truth will fix things or break our relationship.
• Study — after I found out a classmate cheated on the final, I thought of that quote and chose to bring evidence to the professor instead of gossiping.
• Health — when the doctor gave me a difficult diagnosis, I used the idea to decide which relatives to tell first and how to support them through it.