Salomon saith, There is no new thing upon the earth. So that as Plato had an imagination, that all knowledge was but remembrance; so Salomon giveth his sentence, that all novelty is but oblivion.
Francis BaconRead
Discretion of speech is more than eloquence, and to speak agreeably to him with whom we deal is more than to speak in good words, or in good order.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Discretion in communication is more important than just being eloquent; it's about understanding your audience.
Francis Bacon emphasizes the importance of choosing words carefully and being considerate of the listener's context and feelings. Effective communication is not just about speaking beautifully or in an organized manner, but rather about engaging the listener respectfully and appropriately to foster better understanding and connection.
Themes
CommunicationDiscretionUnderstandingEloquenceSpeaking
In practice
Example use cases
In a business meeting when discussing sensitive topics, you can use this quote to emphasize thoughtful communication.
More from Francis Bacon
All quotes →Nothing doth more hurt in a state than that cunning men pass for wise.
Francis BaconRead
Truth emerges more readily from error than from confusion.
Francis BaconRead
Great art is always a way of concentrating, reinventing what is called fact, what we know of our existence- a reconcentration… tearing away the veils, the attitudes people acquire of their time and earlier time. Really good artists tear down those veils
Francis BaconRead
Wise men make more opportunities than they find.
Francis BaconRead
Knowledge and human power are synonymous.
Francis BaconRead
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