Be careful of others that are noncommittal by way of generalities and vague abstractions.
I mean, we all have an opinion, don’t we?
So maybe the people so intent on concealing their view have something to hide.
Politicians know how this is done.
In the same way that not filling in the details can be persuasive, we should always be skeptical of others that refuse to do so.
Of course, this is relatively easy – if truth be told – for most people are simply dying to tell you what they think.
And most of what you have to do is stop talking.
Beware of people who hide behind a façade of vague abstractions and impartiality: no one is impartial. A sharply worded question, an opinion designed to offend, will make them react and take sides.
-Robert Greene, The 33 Strategies Of War
