It is no great art to say something briefly when, like…
“It is no great art to say something briefly when, like Tacitus, one has something to say; when one has nothing to say, however, and none the less writes a whole book and makes truth into a liar - that I call an achievement.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Brief expression is an art; verbosity can distort truth, turning it into falsehood.
In simple terms: Speak concisely; avoid unnecessary length.
Choose brevity over excess.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- public speaking
- writing
- teaching
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- When is brevity harmful?
- How do you balance detail and clarity?
Complex ideas may need elaboration, risking oversimplification.