It is safer to quote what is written than what is spoken…
“It is safer to quote what is written than what is spoken. What a man writes it is fair to presume he believes as a matter of general conviction, but it is not so with what he utters in the freedom of conversation. In that he may only express the feeling of the moment, and not his settled judgment, or matured opinion.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Written words reflect considered beliefs; spoken words can be fleeting and unfiltered.
In simple terms: Writing shows true convictions; speech may be momentary.
Value written statements over casual remarks.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- legal contracts
- public speeches
- academic papers
- personal letters
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you verify someone's true beliefs?
- When should you trust a written claim over a spoken one?
Written words can be edited, spoken words are spontaneous and may misrepresent intent.