Skip to content

It is a great misfortune not to possess sufficient wit to…

“It is a great misfortune not to possess sufficient wit to speak well, nor sufficient judgment to keep silent.” quote by Jean de la Bruyere
Download Open image
“It is a great misfortune not to possess sufficient wit to speak well, nor sufficient judgment to keep silent.”

Jean de la Bruyere

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

It warns that lacking wit or judgment leads to speaking poorly or staying silent, highlighting the importance of both eloquence and discretion.

In simple terms: Without wit or judgment, speech suffers or silence persists.

Key Takeaway

Cultivate both wit and judgment.

Themes

communication wisdom self‑control

Mood

thoughtful serious

Type

advice philosophical

When to use this quote

  • public speaking
  • conflict resolution
  • leadership

Key Concepts

rhetoric ethical speech

Questions to Reflect On

  • When should you choose silence over speech?
  • How can you improve your wit?
A Different Perspective

May ignore the value of silence.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Jean de la Bruyere

Explore all 464 Jean de la Bruyere quotes

More Judgment quotes

Browse all 3,488 Judgment quotes