Be brief, be pointed, let your matter standLucid in order…
“Be brief, be pointed, let your matter standLucid in order, solid and at hand;Spend not your words on trifles but condense;Strike with the mass of thought, not drops of sense;Press to close with vigor, once begun,And leave, (how hard the task!) leave off, when done.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Advocates concise, powerful writing that delivers ideas directly without unnecessary detail.
In simple terms: Write clearly and forcefully.
Key Takeaway
Prioritize clarity and impact.
Themes
clarity
conciseness
persuasion
Mood
focused
determined
Type
instructional
philosophical
When to use this quote
- academic writing
- legal briefs
- public speaking
- marketing copy
Key Concepts
rhetoric
style
efficiency
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you balance brevity with depth?
- When is detail essential?
A Different Perspective
May sacrifice nuance for brevity.