...-not only did he deplore the waste of words, he…
““...-not only did he deplore the waste of words, he detested the moral lassitude with which they were wasted. To him, in whose throat the bone of displacement was forever stuck, it was wrong to talk about nothing when there was a perpetual shortage of words for all the horrible things that happened in the world. It was better to be silent than to say what didn't matter. One had to protect from the onslaught of wasted words the silent place deep inside oneself, where all the pieces could be arranged in a logical manner, where the opponents abided by the rules, where even if you ran out of possibilities there might be a way to turn defeat into victory.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Book of My Lives by Aleksandar Hemon, 2013
The quote warns against meaningless talk, urging silence to preserve inner clarity and logical thought when language is scarce and misused.
In simple terms: Speak only when words matter; otherwise stay silent.
Key Takeaway
Guard your inner space by speaking purposefully.
Themes
communication
clarity
self‑discipline
meaning
silence
Mood
thoughtful
serene
introspective
Type
advice
philosophical
reflective
When to use this quote
- personal reflection
- writing
- public speaking
- debates
- conflict resolution
Key Concepts
philosophy
psychology
ethics
Questions to Reflect On
- When do you choose silence over speaking?
- How can you ensure your words add value?
A Different Perspective
Silence may also suppress needed expression or hide truth.