Skip to content

Precisely because we do not communicate by singing, a song…

“Precisely because we do not communicate by singing, a song can be out of place but not out of character; it is just as credible that a stupid person should sing beautifully as that a clever person should do so.” quote by W. H. Auden
Download Open image
“Precisely because we do not communicate by singing, a song can be out of place but not out of character; it is just as credible that a stupid person should sing beautifully as that a clever person should do so.”

W. H. Auden

About This Quote

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

Communication isn’t limited to song; credibility depends on context, not the performer’s intellect.

In simple terms: Credibility comes from context, not singer’s intelligence.

Key Takeaway

Judge ideas, not just the messenger.

Themes

communication credibility context

Mood

thoughtful analytical

Type

philosophical observational

When to use this quote

  • public speaking
  • media analysis
  • personal judgment

Key Concepts

rhetoric perception authenticity

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does context shape credibility?
  • Can a message be trusted regardless of messenger?
A Different Perspective

Even a skilled singer can mislead if context is ignored.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by W. H. Auden

Explore all 344 W. H. Auden quotes

More Character quotes

Browse all 32,707 Character quotes