He who seldom speaks, and with one calm well-timed word can strike dumb the loquacious, is a genius or a hero.
Interpretation
Quiet individuals can wield great power with their words when they choose to speak thoughtfully.
This quote suggests that a person who is generally quiet but can communicate effectively at the right moment possesses a special kind of intelligence or heroism. The ability to silence others with a single, well-chosen word indicates profound insight and influence, highlighting the value of thoughtful communication over mere talkativeness.
In practice
This quote could be used in a speech about the importance of listening over speaking.
There are many kinds of smiles, each having a distinct character. Some announce goodness and sweetness, others betray sarcasm, bitterness and pride; some soften the countenance by their languishing tenderness, others brighten by their spiritual vivacity.
If you wish to appear agreeable in society, you must consent to be taught many things which you already know.
Where pride begins, love ceases.
Who in the same given time can produce more than others has vigor; who can produce more and better, has talents; who can produce what none else can, has genius.
When you doubt between words, use the plainest, the commonest, the most idiomatic. Eschew fine words as you would rouge; love simple ones as you would the native roses on your cheek.
Three days of uninterrupted company in a vehicle will make you better acquainted with another, than one hour's conversation with him every day for three years.
Anne laughed and sighed. She felt very old and mature and wise β which showed how young she was.
For it falls out That what we have we prize not to the worth Whiles we enjoy it, but being lacked and lost, Why, then we rack the value, then we find The virtue that possession would not show us While it was ours.
In the same way as the tree bears the same fruit year after year, but each time new fruit, all lastingly valuable ideas in thinking must always be reborn.
We don't make mistakes; we just have happy accidents.
Some time ago," he said, "--how long it seems! -- I remember saying to a young friend of mine of the name of Spiller, 'Comrade Spiller, never confuse the unusual with the impossible.' It is my guiding rule in life.
Were we directed from Washington when to sow and when to reap, we should soon want bread.
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