A prudent silence will frequently be taken for wisdom and…
“A prudent silence will frequently be taken for wisdom and a sentence or two cautiously thrown in will sometimes gain the palm of knowledge, while a man well informed but indiscreet and unreserved will not uncommonly talk himself out of all consideration and weight. (Alexander Hamilton's 'thesis on discretion' written to his son James shortly before his fatal duel with Burr.)”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Speaking wisely and sparingly shows knowledge; reckless talk can ruin reputation.
In simple terms: Speak wisely, avoid reckless talk.
Key Takeaway
Think before you speak.
Themes
wisdom
communication
reputation
Mood
cautious
reflective
Type
advice
philosophical
When to use this quote
- family advice
- public speaking
- leadership
- conflict resolution
Key Concepts
discretion
social perception
Questions to Reflect On
- When have you spoken too much?
- How can you balance honesty and discretion?
A Different Perspective
Even careful words can be misinterpreted; context matters.