Pithy sentences are like sharp nails which force truth upon our memory.
Interpretation
Pithy sentences effectively convey profound truths and help us remember important insights.
Denis Diderot's quote suggests that concise and impactful statements, much like sharp nails, drive significant truths into our minds. Such sentences have the power to capture complex ideas in a way that makes them memorable and relatable, thus serving as reminders of the wisdom they encapsulate.
In practice
In a motivational speech to inspire action, one could quote Diderot to emphasize the impact of concise messages.
The arbitrary rule of a just and enlightened prince is always bad. His virtues are the most dangerous and the surest form of seduction: they lull a people imperceptibly into the habit of loving, respecting, and serving his successor, whoever that successor may be, no matter how wicked or stupid.
This root [the potato], no matter how much you prepare it, is tasteless and floury. It cannot pass for an agreeable food, but it supplies a food sufficiently abundant and sufficiently healthy for men who ask only to sustain themselves. The potato is criticized with reason for being windy, but what matters windiness for the vigorous organisms of peasants and laborers?
Do you see this egg? With this you can topple every theological theory, every church or temple in the world.
There are three principal means of acquiring knowledge... observation of nature, reflection, and experimentation. Observation collects facts; reflection combines them; experimentation verifies the result of that combination.
In order to get as much fame as one's father one has to much more able than he.
All abstract sciences are nothing but the study of relations between signs.
Nothing troubles me. I offer no resistance to trouble - therefore it does not stay with me. On your side there is so much trouble. On mine there is no trouble at all. Come to my side.
Make definite assertions. Avoid tame, colorless, hesitating, non-committal language.
The greatest discovery of the 19th century was not in the realm of the physical sciences, but the power of the subconscious mind touched by faith. Any individual can tap into an eternal reservoir of power that will enable them to overcome any problem that may arise. All weaknesses can be overcome, bodily healing, financial independence, spiritual awakening, and prosperity beyond your wildest dreams. This is the superstructure of happiness.
Being born in a duck yard does not matter, if only you are hatched from a swan's egg.
His ignorance seemed to widen with everything he read.
The ocean can be yours; why should you stop_x000D_ Beguiled by dreams of evanescent dew?_x000D_ The secrets of the sun are yours, but you_x000D_ Content yourself with motes trapped in beams.
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