Quote of the day on discretion and self-preservation: 'It's good to know the truth and speak it. But it is even better to know the truth and speak of palm tree'

Quote of the day on self-preservation. Knowledge is power. But sometimes this power is best hidden for self-preservation. The quote of the day advises us to keep our mouths shut when we have information that can pose a threat to us. This old quote is not attributed to anyone in particular, but it is said to be an old Arabic saying. It was famously recorded by the British-Italian travel writer Freya Stark in her 1936 book The Southern Gates of Arabia. While traveling through eastern Yemen, a local guide shared the phrase with her as advice on discretion and self-preservation'It's good to know the truth and speak it. But it is even better to know the truth and speak of palm tree'Why speak of palm treeIn the desert environments where the saying was born, the palm tree is an imagery of comfort. The proverb is a poetic reminder of discretion, prudence, and diplomacy. It suggests that while honesty is a virtue, there are times when speaking a dangerous, divisive, or unwanted truth brings unnecessary trouble. In such moments, it is wiser to keep the heavy truth to yourself and keep the conversation light, safe, and pleasant -- symbolized by "speaking of palm trees."Why not speak the truth...