November 13, 2025

Never make a defense or apology before you be accused.

Charles I (1600–1649), king of England, Scotland, Ireland from 1625, letter to Lord Wentworth, 3 Sep 1636, Jay p.82

It is not only the ladies who doth protest too much, but the men too! When was the last time you offered a premature defense or apology—premature because it likely would have gone unsought, and did it make the situation any better?

When engaged in some matter that might be questioned at some future date, consider the various scripts you might use in reply. Exculpatory language is of little value; you want a text that puts a positive complexion on whatever you’ve done—what in this business is called a “spin”. *Hamlet, Act III, Scene II