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Look wise, say nothing, and grunt. Speech was given to conceal thought.
William Osler
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Interpretation

What this quote means

This quote emphasizes the value of silence and cautious speech over unnecessary words.

William Osler suggests that often, remaining silent and appearing wise is more beneficial than speaking without thought. He points out that speech can be a deceptive tool, used to hide true intentions or thoughts, encouraging us to think carefully before we express ourselves.

Themes

WisdomSilenceThoughtSpeechContemplation

In practice

Example use cases

In a discussion about communication styles, this quote can illustrate the importance of thoughtful speech.

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Observe, record, tabulate, communicate. Use your five senses. Learn to see, learn to hear, learn to feel, learn to smell, and know that by practice alone you can become expert.
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There is no more difficult art to acquire than the art of observation, and for some men it is quite as difficult to record an observation in brief and plain language.
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One of the first duties of the physician is to educate the masses not to take medicine.
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No bubble is so iridescent or floats longer than that blown by the successful teacher.
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The young physician starts life with 20 drugs for each disease, and the old physician ends life with one drug for 20 diseases.
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Let each hour of the day have its allotted duty, and cultivate that power of concentration which grows with its exercise.
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