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.
If you would rise, shun luxury, for luxury lowers and degrades.
I let go of all expectations. People, places and things are free to be themselves, and I am free to be me.
Nay, be a Columbus to whole new continents and worlds within you, opening new channels, not of trade, but of thought.
Predicting rain doesn't count. Building arks does.
As soon as you hear a proposition, the creative brain in humans assumes for the moment that it's true, and starts trying to find evidence. It's what computer scientists in the old days used to call 'Fifo:' first in, first out. The first piece of information that gets in has a privileged position, even if it's misinformation.
No degree of knowledge attainable by man is able to set him above the want of hourly assistance.
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