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By deafness one gains in one respect more than one loses; one misses more nonsense than sense.
Horace Walpole
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Being deaf allows one to avoid hearing unnecessary noise and nonsense.

This quote by Horace Walpole suggests that while being deaf means losing the ability to hear, it also provides a unique benefit: the avoidance of much of the trivial and nonsensical chatter that fills conversations. In essence, it presents a perspective that highlights the value of selective awareness and the peace found in disengaging from superfluous noise.

Themes

DeafnessNonsenseWisdomPerspectiveSilence

In practice

Example use cases

In a speech about mental wellbeing, one could say, 'As Horace Walpole insightfully remarked, by deafness one gains more by avoiding the incessant noise of nonsense around us.'

More from Horace Walpole

When people will not weed their own minds, they are apt to be overrun by nettles.
Horace WalpoleRead
Life is a comedy for those who think and a tragedy for those who feel.
Horace WalpoleRead
We often repent of our first thoughts, and scarce ever of our second.
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Who has begun has half done. Have the courage to be wise. Begin!
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Men are often capable of greater things than they perform - They are sent into the world with bills of credit, and seldom draw to their full extent.
Horace WalpoleRead
The passions seldom give good advice but to the interested and mercenary. Resentment generally suggests bad measures. Second thoughts and good nature will rarely, very rarely, approve the first hints of anger.
Horace WalpoleRead

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