Every syllable that can be struck out is pure profit, and…
“Every syllable that can be struck out is pure profit, and every page that can be economised is a five-per-cent dividend. Nature rebels against this rule; the flesh is weak, and shrinks from the scissors; I groan in retrospect over the weak.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Attempting to cut costs in language reduces richness; efficiency clashes with human frailty.
In simple terms: Saving words sacrifices depth; humans are imperfect.
Key Takeaway
Balance brevity with meaning.
Themes
efficiency
language
human limits
economy
Mood
critical
thoughtful
Type
analytical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- editing
- writing
- business communication
Key Concepts
literary criticism
philosophy
Questions to Reflect On
- When does brevity hurt clarity?
- How can we honor human imperfection?
A Different Perspective
Over‑editing can strip essential nuance.