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A man must not always tell all, for that be folly; but…

“A man must not always tell all, for that be folly; but what a man says should be what he thinks.” quote by Michel de Montaigne
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“A man must not always tell all, for that be folly; but what a man says should be what he thinks.”

Michel de Montaigne

About This Quote

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

One should speak only what one truly believes, avoiding unnecessary revelations that can lead to foolishness.

In simple terms: Speak only true thoughts.

Key Takeaway

Speak truthfully.

Themes

honesty communication wisdom

Mood

reflective cautious

Type

ethical philosophical

When to use this quote

  • personal relationships
  • public speaking
  • negotiations
  • leadership

Key Concepts

philosophy integrity self‑control

Questions to Reflect On

  • Do you ever hide your true thoughts?
  • When is discretion better than honesty?
A Different Perspective

May suppress useful information if over‑cautious.

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