“Speech was given to man to disguise his thoughts.”Jean de La Bruyère · Caracterele · 1688 · Des les ouvrages de l'esprit, 1
Speech is more often a mask for hidden intentions than a means of sincere revelation.
La Bruyère reverses the common idea that speech is a tool for sincere communication. He suggests that, in fact, words are used to mask real intentions. For example, in a meeting, a colleague might say 'I agree,' but in reality has reservations they do not express. This is an observation on the diplomatic and often hypocritical nature of social interactions.
Why it matters Today, this idea warns you to pay attention to what is not said and not to always take words at face value.