In literature, too, we admire prose in which a small and…
““In literature, too, we admire prose in which a small and astutely arranged set of words has been constructed to carry a large consignment of ideas. 'We all have strength enough to bear the misfortunes of others,' writes La Rochefoucauld in an aphorism which transports us with an energy and exactitude comparable to that of Maillard bridge. The Swiss engineer reduces the number of supports just as the French writer compacts into a single line what lesser minds might have taken pages to express. We delight in complexity to which genius has lent an appearance of simplicity. (p 207)””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The quote celebrates how concise, well‑crafted prose can convey deep, complex ideas efficiently, likening it to engineering feats that use minimal supports.
In simple terms: Compact writing can hold big ideas.
Key Takeaway
Value brevity and precision.
Themes
writing
philosophy
efficiency
beauty
complexity
Mood
appreciative
thoughtful
inspired
Type
analytical
literary
When to use this quote
- academic essays
- creative writing
- public speaking
- teaching
- editing
Key Concepts
conciseness
compression
clarity
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you convey depth in fewer words?
- When does brevity hinder understanding?
A Different Perspective
Simplicity may oversimplify nuance.