A multitude of words doth rather obscure than illustrate…
“A multitude of words doth rather obscure than illustrate, they being a burden to the memory, and the first apt to be forgotten, before we come to the last. So that he that uses many words for the explaining of any subject, doth, like the cuttle-fish, hide himself, for the most part, in his own ink.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Excessive words cloud meaning and are quickly forgotten, like ink that hides the writer.
In simple terms: Too many words obscure the point.
Key Takeaway
Use concise language.
Themes
communication
clarity
memory
writing
Mood
thoughtful
analytical
Type
advisory
educational
When to use this quote
- academic lectures
- legal documents
- personal essays
- public speaking
Key Concepts
Rhetoric
cognitive load
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you simplify a dense explanation?
- When does detail become a hindrance?
A Different Perspective
Complex ideas may need elaboration, risking loss of clarity.