QuoteProject
Speech was given to the ordinary sort of men, whereby to communicate their mind; but to wise men, whereby to conceal it.
Robert South
ShareWTF𝕏

Interpretation

What this quote means

Speech can serve different purposes for different people; some use it to express thoughts, while others use it to hide their true intentions.

This quote highlights the dual nature of communication. For ordinary individuals, speech serves as a means of expressing thoughts and emotions, allowing them to share their perspectives. In contrast, wise individuals may use speech strategically to obscure their true intentions, suggesting that not all communication is transparent and that wisdom often lies in knowing when to reveal or conceal one's thoughts.

Themes

SpeechCommunicationWisdomExpressionConcealment

In practice

Example use cases

A speaker at a debate might quote this to emphasize the nuances of argumentation.

More from Robert South

That in all these worldly Things, that a Man pursues with the greatest Eagerness and Intention of Mind imaginable, he finds not half the Pleasure in the actual Possession of them, that he proposed to himself in the Expectation.
Robert SouthRead
There is not the least flower but seems to hold up its head, and to look pleasantly, in the secret sense of the goodness of its Heavenly Maker.
Robert SouthRead
The grateful person fears no court or judge, no sentence or executioner, but what he carries about him in his own breast: and being still the most severe exactor of himself, not only confesses but proclaims his debts.
Robert SouthRead

Similar quotes

O Lord, I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since you have spoken to your servant. I am slow of speech and tongue.
MosesRead
When new turns of behavior cease to appear in the life of the individual, its behavior ceases to be intelligent.
Thomas CarlyleRead
No domestic animal can be as still as a wild animal. The civilized people have lost the aptitude of stillness, and must take lessons in silence from the wild before they are accepted by it.
Isak DinesenRead
As you find your soul-reservoir of peace, less and less controversy will be able to afflict your life.
Paramahansa YoganandaRead
Mishaps are like knives, that either serve us or cut us, as we grasp them by the blade or the handle.
James Russell LowellRead
Remember, in the vast infinity of life, all is perfect, whole, and complete... and so are you.
Louise HayRead

A little wisdom, now and then

Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.