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
Speech was given to the ordinary sort of men, whereby to communicate their mind; but to wise men, whereby to conceal it.
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
All quotes βThere 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
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