We may like well to know what is Plato’s and what is…
“We may like well to know what is Plato’s and what is Montesquieu’s or Goethe’s part, and what thought was always dear to the writer himself; but the worth of the sentences consists in their radiancy and equal aptitude to all intelligence. They fit all our facts like a charm. We respect ourselves the more that we know them.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The value of a writer's words lies in their universal clarity and ability to illuminate any mind, regardless of the author's personal ideas.
In simple terms: Good writing is clear and universally useful.
Key Takeaway
Seek clarity and universal relevance in your own writing.
Themes
clarity
universality
literary merit
communication
intellect
Mood
inspired
thoughtful
Type
literary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- teaching
- public speaking
- writing workshops
- cross‑cultural dialogue
Key Concepts
rhetoric
philosophy
aesthetics
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you balance universal appeal with cultural nuance?
- When does clarity become oversimplification?
A Different Perspective
A universal style may overlook cultural specificity and depth.