Quote: It pays to be obvious...

[Tom]

Dear all ( In particular, Amy )

How in the world could you know I was writing my next quote?

Now you have made me conscious, Amy, because you know well about my poor comprehension skills...but, anyway, I will have a whack at the following one. Please simplify it for me.

(Source: Reader's Digest, April 1990)

[Tom]

Amy

You did not like my attempt!?

Tom

[Yankee]

Hi Tom

To be honest, no, I don't much like this one. I'm not really sure either.

It pays to be obvious means it's worthwhile or advantageous to be obvious

Maybe if you're known for being subtle, people will take much more notice when you're obvious?

Do you happen to know who said it?

By the way, why haven't you given us any feedback about the "Queen of the Night" flower? Was it one of the ones I found in the Google links? Why don't you tell us more about it?

Amy

[Tom]

Thank you a lot, Amy

P.D. James, the writer of mystery novels, said this sentence.

Yes, it was exactly the same plant/ flower you sent in the picture. The name was Cestrum nocturnum
. By the way, do you have it in Europe?
It really makes your garden fragrant at night.

Thanks again

Tom

[MrPedantic]

The quotation seems to be quite widely attributed to Asimov; but no context seems to be available anywhere.

I wonder whether it implies that people will take your unsubtle comments for subtleties, if you have a reputation for the latter; and that this will be to your advantage.

Cf. W.S. Gilbert: "'Tis ever thus with simple folk – an accepted wit has but to say Pass the mustard, and they roar their ribs out."

MrP

[Koeus]

The quote is rightfully attributed to Asimov, as it is said by Hobor Mallow in the Foundation series.

The implication is that it is advantageous to be obvious when people expect you to be subtle. They will not notice or incorrectly interpret a seemingly obvious action because they expect a master of subtlety to be well, subtle.