But let the wise be warned against too great readiness at…
““But let the wise be warned against too great readiness at explanation: it multiplies the sources of mistake, lengthening the sum for reckoners sure to go wrong.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Excessive eagerness to explain can create many errors, making it harder for analysts to avoid mistakes.
In simple terms: Overexplaining breeds mistakes.
Key Takeaway
Caution in explanation prevents error accumulation.
Themes
communication
cognition
error management
analysis
wisdom
Mood
thoughtful
cautious
analytical
Type
advice
maxim
philosophical
When to use this quote
- academic research
- business reporting
- legal argumentation
- technical documentation
- public policy debates
Key Concepts
explanatory excess
mistake propagation
cognitive load
Practical Applications
- improve decision‑making accuracy
- streamline analytical processes
Questions to Reflect On
- When does thorough explanation become counterproductive?
- How can one balance clarity with brevity?
A Different Perspective
Sometimes rapid explanation is necessary to prevent misunderstanding or inaction.