A conservative, I take it, is a man who despises vulgarity; but the argument which is concerned exclusively with calculations of success, and is based on blindness to the nobility of the effort, is vulgar.
Leo StraussRead
The silence of a wise man is always meaningful.
Interpretation
What this quote means
A wise person's silence conveys deep significance and understanding.
This quote by Leo Strauss highlights that when a wise individual chooses to remain silent, it often carries weight and intent. Their silence is not merely the absence of words; instead, it reflects their thoughtful consideration, the importance of the situation, or a deliberate choice to allow others to reflect or to avoid speaking frivolously.
Themes
SilenceWisdomMeaningfulThoughtfulnessReflection
In practice
Example use cases
During a meeting where important decisions are made, one might say, 'As Leo Strauss noted, the silence of a wise man is always meaningful' to emphasize the importance of careful consideration.
More from Leo Strauss
All quotes βNo bloody or unbloody change of society can eradicate the evil in man: as long as there will be men, there will be malice, envy and hatred, and hence there cannot be a society which does not have to employ coercive restraint.
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If the highest things are unknowable, then the highest capacity or virtue of man cannot be theoretical wisdom.
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The Jewish people and their fate are the living witness for the absence of redemption. This, one could say, is the meaning of the chosen people; the Jews are chosen to prove the absence of redemption.
Leo StraussRead
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