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Monday, August 11, 2025

Big investors are buying this “unlisted” stock

When the founder who sold his last company to Zillow for $120M starts a new venture, people notice. That’s why the same VCs who backed Uber, Venmo, and eBay also invested in Pacaso.

Disrupting the real estate industry once again, Pacaso’s streamlined platform offers co-ownership of premier properties, revamping the $1.3T vacation home market.

And it works. By handing keys to 2,000+ happy homeowners, Pacaso has already made $110M+ in gross profits in their operating history.

Now, after 41% YoY gross profit growth last year alone, they recently reserved the Nasdaq ticker PCSO.

Invest for $2.90/Share

_{Paid advertisement for Pacaso’s Regulation A offering. Read the offering circular at invest.pacaso.com. Reserving a ticker symbol is not a guarantee that the company will go public. Listing on the NASDAQ is subject to approvals.}

The Truth Behind the Quote

At first glance, this clever line seems like something the brilliant Sir Isaac Newton might have said. But historical digging reveals otherwise. There’s no credible evidence that the physicist ever uttered or wrote it. Instead, it first appeared in Redbook magazine in August 1946, credited to Howard W. Newton, an American advertising executive.

Over time, the name “Howard” disappeared, the quote became associated with the more famous Newton, and eventually the “Sir” was added—likely because it made for a stronger, more memorable attribution.

While the source may not be who we expected, the wisdom inside the words is timeless.

The Deeper Meaning

At its core, this quote is about balance—balancing the honesty of your message with the sensitivity needed to preserve a relationship.

Tact is the skillful ability to share your viewpoint or deliver hard truths in a way that invites understanding rather than hostility. It doesn’t mean avoiding difficult topics or sugarcoating reality—it means delivering truth with empathy and respect so the other person is more likely to truly hear you.

In our fast-paced, opinion-saturated world, tact is more important than ever. Without it, even the most valid point can get lost in defensive reactions. With it, you open the door to constructive dialogue and long-term mutual respect.

Four Pillars of Tact

1. Embrace Empathy – Before speaking, consider the other person’s perspective. Acknowledge their feelings even if you disagree.

2. Keep Your Tone Neutral – Your words may be fair, but tone can unintentionally add heat to a discussion.

3. Focus on the Idea, Not the Person – Disagree with concepts or actions, not the individual’s worth or character.

4. Invite Dialogue – Frame your point as an opening for discussion, not a final verdict.

Why Tact Matters

• Preserves Relationships: You can disagree and still maintain mutual respect.

• Increases Persuasiveness: People are more receptive to a message that doesn’t feel like an attack.

• Builds Long-Term Trust: Others will know they can come to you for honest feedback without fear of hostility.

In short, tact helps you win the conversation without losing the connection.

Practical Scenarios for Tact

• Workplace Feedback: Pointing out errors in a way that encourages improvement rather than defensiveness.

• Family Disagreements: Addressing sensitive topics without creating lingering resentment.

• Negotiations: Standing firm on your needs while respecting the other side’s position.

• Online Discussions: Expressing differing opinions without fueling toxic comment threads.

Resource List — Mastering the Art of Tactful Communication

Books

1. How to Win Friends and Influence People – Dale Carnegie

2. Crucial Conversations – Kerry Patterson, Joseph Grenny, Ron McMillan, and Al Switzler

3. Nonviolent Communication – Marshall B. Rosenberg

4. The Art of Communicating – Thích Nhất Hạnh

5. Thank You for Arguing – Jay Heinrichs

Articles & Guides

• The Power of Tact in Leadership – Harvard Business Review

• How to Be Tactful – MindTools

• Mastering Difficult Conversations – Psychology Today

Videos & Talks

• TED Talk – The Art of Being Yourself – Caroline McHugh

• TED Talk – 10 Ways to Have a Better Conversation – Celeste Headlee

• YouTube – Charisma on Command: How to Disagree Without Starting a Fight

Courses & Training

• Coursera – Improving Communication Skills (University of Pennsylvania)

• LinkedIn Learning – Diplomacy and Tact in Professional Settings

• Udemy – Mastering Difficult Conversations

Quote Origin Research

• Quote Investigator: https://quoteinvestigator.com/2018/07/18/tact

Final Thought

Howard W. Newton’s words remind us that it’s not just what we say, but how we say it that shapes our influence. In a world quick to argue and slow to listen, tact is both a courtesy and a strategic advantage.

The next time you need to make a point, remember—you can be both clear and kind, and you’ll be far more effective for it.