Remember, it is no sign of weakness or defeat that your manuscript ends up in need of major surgery. This is a common occurrence in all writing, and among the best writers.
William Strunk, Jr.Read
None are so fallible as those who are sure they're right.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Those who are overly confident in their beliefs are often the most prone to error.
This quote suggests that individuals who are completely convinced of their correctness can overlook their own mistakes and biases. A strong belief in one's own infallibility can lead to closed-mindedness and an inability to learn from others or recognize the complexities of situations, ultimately resulting in errors in judgment and action.
Themes
FallibilityConfidenceKnowledgeErrorWisdom
In practice
Example use cases
During a team meeting, to remind members to stay open to feedback.
More from William Strunk, Jr.
All quotes βThe surest way to arouse and hold the attention of the reader is by being specific, definitive, and concrete. The greatest writers - Homer, Dante, Shakespeare - are effective largely because they deal in particulars and report the details that matter. Their words call up pictures.
William Strunk, Jr.Read
Instead of announcing what you are about to tell is interesting, make it so.
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The approach to style is by way of plainness, simplicity, orderliness, sincerity.
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Make definite assertions. Avoid tame, colorless, hesitating, non-committal language.
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Avoid fancy words....If you admire fancy words, if every sky is beauteous, every blonde curvaceous, every intelligent child prodigious, if you are tickled by discombobulate, you will have bad time Reminder 14.
William Strunk, Jr.Read
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