Tact is not one thing only. It is a number of qualities working together: insight into the nature of men, sympathy, self-control, a knack of inducing self-control in others, avoidance of human blundering, readiness to give the immediate situation an understanding mind and a second thought. Tact is not only kindness, but kindness skillfully extended.

J. G. Randall
James G. Randall (1881-1953) American historian
Mr. Lincoln, ch. 7, sec. 2 (1957)
    (Source)