Genuine good taste consists in saying much in few words, in choosing among our thoughts, in having order and arrangement in what we say, and in speaking with composure.
Francois FenelonRead
People who have no secrets from each other never want for a subject of conversation. They do not weigh their words, for there is nothing to be held back, neither do they seek for something to say. They talk out of the abundance of their heart, without consideration they say just what they think. Blessed are they who attain to such familiar, unreserved intercourse with God.
Interpretation
What this quote means
True intimacy in relationships fosters open communication and genuine conversation.
The quote by Francois Fenelon suggests that people who share a deep, honest relationship without secrets engage in effortless and meaningful conversations. It emphasizes that such transparency allows for natural dialogue, fueled by genuine thoughts and feelings, and highlights the blessedness of achieving this level of intimacy, particularly in a relationship with God.
Themes
CommunicationIntimacyHonestyRelationshipsSecretsConversation
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be referenced during a relationship workshop to highlight the importance of transparency.
More from Francois Fenelon
All quotes →True prayer is only another name for the love of God. Its excellence does not consist in the multitude of our words; for our Father knoweth what things we have need of before we ask Him. The true prayer is that of the heart, and the heart prays only for what it desires. To pray, then is to desire -- but to desire what God would have us desire. He who asks what he does not from the bottom of his heart desire, is mistaken in thinking that he prays.
Francois FenelonRead
The greatest of all crosses is self. If we die in part every day, we shall have but little to do on the last. These little daily deaths will destroy the power of the final dying.
Francois FenelonRead
How rare it is to find a soul quiet enough to hear God speak.
Francois FenelonRead
If we were faultless we should not be so much annoyed by the defects of those with whom we associate.
Francois FenelonRead
If the crowns of all the kingdoms of the empire were laid down at my feet in exchange for my books and my love of reading I would spurn them all.
Francois FenelonRead
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