"Tact is the ability
to describe others
as they see themselves."
-- Abraham Lincoln
I think this is one of the most fascinating quotes I have ever read from tens of thousands I have reviewed over time. It comes from a master of brevity and an artful and skillful wordsmith.
The definition I found of tact is an adroitness and sensitivity in dealing with others or with difficult issues (often one in the same). It is often associated with diplomacy, thoughtfulness, consideration, discretion, and subtlety to name a few. That would have been my understanding as well; however, when it is phrased as it came from Abraham Lincoln, he sheds a whole other perspective of the use of tact.
Certainly to be tactful is to be courteous, concerned, understanding, diplomatic, thoughtful, discrete and subtle. Any one of them works as do they all, yet to describe others as they see themselves offers shading that is not normally associated. The light has changed.
What better way to be courteous, understanding, or thoughtful than to step into someone else's shoes, to attempt to see and feel from their unique perspective, as to be able to describe to them how they see themselves through that perspective?
It Is Empathy, Compassion, And Love In One Act.
Spread Some Joy Today--by learning to allow.
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