Books Quote by Arthur Schopenhauer
“For an author to write as he speaks is just as reprehensible as the opposite fault, to speak as he writes; for this gives a pedantic effect to what he says, and at the same time makes him hardly intelligible.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Art of Writing, 1840
Criticizes writers who mimic speech or speech mimics writing, causing pedantic, unintelligible prose
In simple terms: Writing should be clear, not overly formal or colloquial
Aim for clarity and natural flow in writing
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- academic essays
- creative writing
- public speaking
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you balance authenticity with clarity?
- When is formal language appropriate?
May undervalue stylistic choices that serve specific purposes