--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: The problem with clichés is not that they…" description: "\"The problem with clichés is not that they contain false ideas, but rather that they are superficial articulations of very good ones...If...we are oblig..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/efc/alain-de-botton-221_absent_the-problem-with-clich-s-is-not-that-the_2863513.jpg" --- # The problem with clichés is not that they contain false… ![“The problem with clichés is not that they contain false ideas, but rather that they are superficial articulations of very good ones...If...we are obliged to create our own language, it is because there are dimensions to ourselves absent from clichés, which require us to flout etiquette in order to…” quote by Alain de Botton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/efc/alain-de-botton-221_absent_the-problem-with-clich-s-is-not-that-the_2863513.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/efc/alain-de-botton-221_absent_the-problem-with-clich-s-is-not-that-the_2863513.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/efc/alain-de-botton-221_absent_the-problem-with-clich-s-is-not-that-the_2863513.jpg) > “The problem with clichés is not that they contain false ideas, but rather that they are superficial articulations of very good ones...If...we are obliged to create our own language, it is because there are dimensions to ourselves absent from clichés, which require us to flout etiquette in order to convey with greater accuracy the distinctive timbre of our thought.” [Alain de Botton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/alain-de-botton/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Clichés simplify deep ideas, but new language is needed to express nuanced thoughts accurately. **In simple terms:** Clichés hide depth; new words reveal it. Key Takeaway Create precise language. Themes clichés language expression Mood introspective inquisitive Type advice philosophical When to use this quote - writing - teaching - creative work - communication Key Concepts linguistics philosophy Questions to Reflect On - What concepts need fresh terms? - How can you balance clarity and originality? A Different Perspective New language may confuse others. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Absent](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/absent/) [Absent Clichés](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/absent-clich-s-3876647/) [Accuracy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/accuracy/) [Articulation](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/articulation/) [Cliche](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/cliche/) [Clichés Contain](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/clich-s-contain-3876646/) [Clichés Require](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/clich-s-require-3876648/) [Dimensions](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/dimensions/) [Distinctive](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/distinctive/) [Etiquette](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/etiquette/) [False Ideas](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/false-ideas-1880832/) [Greater](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/greater/) [Ideas](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/ideas/) [Ifs](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/ifs/) [Language](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/language/) [Obliged](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/obliged/) [Order](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/order/) [Our thoughts](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/our-thoughts/) [Problem](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/problem/) [Problem Clichés](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/problem-clich-s-3876645/) [Superficial](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/superficial/) [Timbre](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/timbre/) [Very good](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/very-good/) ## Related quotes > [Touching on universality is an important part of effective storytelling, but the problem with cliches is that they are tired and dull. 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Does an emerald become worse if it isn't praised? 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