QuoteProject
Every word that is unnecessary only pours over the side of a brimming mind.
Marcus Tullius Cicero
ShareWTF𝕏

Interpretation

What this quote means

Unnecessary words clutter the mind and dilute communication.

This quote by Cicero highlights the importance of clarity and conciseness in communication. It suggests that when we include extraneous words, we distract from the core message and overwhelm the listener, much like an overflowing cup that cannot hold any more liquid. Thus, it advocates for thoughtful expression, urging us to convey ideas in a straightforward manner.

Themes

CommunicationClarityConcisenessWisdomThoughtfulness

In practice

Example use cases

In a presentation about effective communication, you might quote Cicero to emphasize the value of brevity.

More from Marcus Tullius Cicero

Friendship is the only thing in the world concerning the usefulness of which all mankind are agreed.
Marcus Tullius CiceroRead
Those wars are unjust which are undertaken without provocation. For only a war waged for revenge or defence can actually be just.
Marcus Tullius CiceroRead
Orators are most vehement when their cause is weak.
Marcus Tullius CiceroRead
Nothing contributes to the entertainment of the reader more, than the change of times and the vicissitudes of fortune.
Marcus Tullius CiceroRead
No one has the right to be sorry for himself for a misfortune that strikes everyone.
Marcus Tullius CiceroRead
Advice in old age is foolish; for what can be more absurd than to increase our provisions for the road the nearer we approach to our journey's end.
Marcus Tullius CiceroRead

Similar quotes

Many an object is not seen, though it falls within the range of our visual ray, because it does not come within the range of our intellectual ray.
Henry David ThoreauRead
I feel that there is reason lurking in you somewhere, so we will patiently grope round for it.
Arthur Conan DoyleRead
By far the greatest and most admirable form of wisdom is that needed to plan and beautify cities and human communities.
SocratesRead
Live the full life of the mind, exhilarated by new ideas, intoxicated by the Romance of the unusual.
Ernest HemingwayRead
If you are pitched into misery, remember that your days on this earth are counted and you might as well make the best of those you have left.
Yann MartelRead
We must be diligent today. To wait until tomorrow is too late. Death comes unexpectedly. How can we bargain with it?
Gautama BuddhaRead

A little wisdom, now and then

Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.