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'

The quote is an old Arabic saying recorded by British-Italian travel writer Freya Stark in her 1936 book The Southern Gates of Arabia.

A local guide in eastern Yemen shared the phrase with Stark as advice on discretion and self-preservation.

The quote advises that while it is good to know and speak the truth, it is better to know the truth and speak of palm trees.

The palm tree symbolizes comfort in desert environments; the saying encourages keeping conversation light and safe to avoid unnecessary trouble.

The quote is not about lying but about choosing the right time and manner to speak truth, exercising prudence and diplomacy.