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The following are the universally fundamental laws of…

“The following are the universally fundamental laws of literary communication: 1. one must have something to communicate; 2. one must have someone to whom to communicate it; 3. one must really communicate it, not merely express it for oneself alone. Otherwise it would be more to the point to remain…” quote by Karl Wilhelm Friedrich Schlegel
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“The following are the universally fundamental laws of literary communication: 1. one must have something to communicate; 2. one must have someone to whom to communicate it; 3. one must really communicate it, not merely express it for oneself alone. Otherwise it would be more to the point to remain silent.”

Karl Wilhelm Friedrich Schlegel

About This Quote

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

Effective communication requires a message, an audience, and genuine transmission; otherwise silence is preferable.

In simple terms: Talk needs message, audience, and real sharing; else stay silent.

Key Takeaway

Ensure all three elements before speaking.

Themes

communication literature ethics

Mood

analytical reflective

Type

philosophical academic

When to use this quote

  • teaching
  • writing
  • public discourse

Key Concepts

message theory audience analysis authenticity

Questions to Reflect On

  • Do you ever speak without a clear audience?
  • How to verify genuine transmission?
A Different Perspective

Sometimes silence may be strategic despite imperfect communication.

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