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.
Interpretation
Opt for simple and clear language over complex or pretentious words.
This quote emphasizes the importance of using straightforward and commonly understood language when expressing thoughts. It suggests that clarity should take precedence over complexity, as simple words are more genuine and relatable, akin to the natural beauty of native roses compared to the artificiality of makeup.
In practice
During a public speaking event, when introducing complex concepts, one might use this quote to encourage clear communication.
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.
He who seldom speaks, and with one calm well-timed word can strike dumb the loquacious, is a genius or a hero.
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.
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.
Temperate, sincere, and intelligent inquiry and discussion are only to be dreaded by the advocates of error. The truth need not fear them.
I think one of the defining moments of adulthood is the realization that nobody's going to take care of you. That you have to do the heavy lifting while you're here. And when you don't, well, you suffer the consequences.
It would be the height of absurdity to label ignorance tempered by humility "faith"! (Institutio III.2.3)
For I now realize that what overcame me that evening was a sudden awareness of the power of intuition, the supra-logic that cuts out all routine processes of thought and leaps straight from problem to answer.
If there are ripples on the surface of a lake, we cannot see the depth. Similarly unless the mind is restful, we cannot experience the harmony and union within us.
Holding on to anything blocks wisdom.
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