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A man who uses a great many words to express his meaning…

“A man who uses a great many words to express his meaning is like a bad marksman who, instead of aiming a single stone at an object, takes up a handful and throws at it in hopes he may hit.” quote by Samuel Johnson
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“A man who uses a great many words to express his meaning is like a bad marksman who, instead of aiming a single stone at an object, takes up a handful and throws at it in hopes he may hit.”

Samuel Johnson

About This Quote

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

Overusing words dilutes impact, like throwing many stones hoping one will hit a target.

In simple terms: Too many words reduce clarity.

Key Takeaway

Practice concise, focused communication.

Themes

communication clarity efficiency

Mood

reflective instructive

Type

advisory philosophical

When to use this quote

  • public speaking
  • writing
  • teaching

Key Concepts

rhetoric precision message delivery

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can you balance brevity with completeness?
  • When is detail more valuable than brevity?
A Different Perspective

Simplicity may overlook nuance.

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