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Subtle Quotes

What's said without being said.

International relations, workplace harassment, the lies we tell ourselves, even 'Star Trek' comedy — these quotes all land on the same idea: the most consequential things are the ones said quietly, if they're said at all.

The matter of international relations is very subtle and exquisite.

Quotes by Vladimir Zhirinovsky

The comedy in 'Star Trek' is always very subtle, if it's there at all.

Quotes by Robert Duncan McNeill

The more refined and subtle our minds, the more vulnerable they are.

Quotes by Paul Tournier

Nature's far too subtle to repeat herself.

Quotes by Paul Muni

Admire Quotes

The lies we tell ourselves are the most subtle of all lies.

Quotes by Lewis B. Smedes

William Trevor is an author I admire; his stories are subtle and powerful, and beautifully written.

Quotes by Kim Edwards

Sexual harassment is complex, subtle, and highly subjective.

Quotes by Kathie Lee Gifford

Do not meddle in the affairs of Wizards, for they are subtle and quick to anger.

Quotes by J. R. R. Tolkien

I had panic attacks as a little girl, and they were not subtle.

Quotes by Elizabeth Vargas

Always Quotes

The reactions of the human heart are not mechanical and predictable but infinitely subtle and delicate.

Quotes by Daisaku Ikeda

My mom has a very subtle way of encouraging.

Quotes by Craig Mello

The negative is comparable to the composer's score and the print to its performance. Each performance differs in subtle ways.

Quotes by Ansel Adams

Homophobia obviously still exists, but it is a lot more subtle, and it is a lot more in the background.

Quotes by Andrew Haigh

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Frequently Asked Questions

What ties these 'Subtle' quotes together?
Each quote describes something that resists easy, obvious explanation - international diplomacy, harassment, self-deception, and comedy - all things the speakers call subtle rather than simple.
Is there a quote about subtlety in international relations?
Yes - one line describes the matter of international relations as very subtle and exquisite, treating diplomacy as something closer to an art than a formula.
Does this collection discuss the subtlety of harassment as an issue?
Yes - one quote describes sexual harassment as complex, subtle, and highly subjective, acknowledging how hard the issue can be to define clearly in every case.
Is there a quote about lying to yourself?
Yes - one line argues that the lies people tell themselves are the most subtle lies of all, harder to notice than lies told to others.
Does this page reference a specific TV show's comedic style?
One quote describes a science-fiction franchise's humor as always very subtle, if it's even there at all - a specific, understated take on that show's comedic tone. Readers who like this style also browse Anger quotes for the contrasting, more direct emotion.

For more on reading between the lines, see our background quotes and anger quotes pages.