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I hate set dissertations,--and above all things in the…

“I hate set dissertations,--and above all things in the world, 'tis one of the silliest things in one of them, to darken your hypothesis by placing a number of tall, opake words, one before another, in a right line, betwixt your own and your readers conception.” quote by Laurence Sterne
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“I hate set dissertations,--and above all things in the world, 'tis one of the silliest things in one of them, to darken your hypothesis by placing a number of tall, opake words, one before another, in a right line, betwixt your own and your readers conception.”

Laurence Sterne

About This Quote

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

The author criticizes overly complex language that obscures meaning, advocating clarity over pretentiousness.

In simple terms: Avoid unnecessary fancy words.

Key Takeaway

Write clearly and simply.

Themes

communication clarity writing style

Mood

critical analytical

Type

literary educational

When to use this quote

  • academic papers
  • technical manuals
  • creative writing

Key Concepts

rhetoric literary criticism

Questions to Reflect On

  • When is elaborate language appropriate?
  • How does clarity affect reader engagement?
A Different Perspective

Complexity can sometimes enhance nuance; simplicity may oversimplify.

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