Cease Quote by Charles Maurice de Talleyrand
“If we go on explaining we shall cease to understand one another.”
About This Quote
Source Letter: Correspondence with Madame de Staël, 1797
Overexplaining erodes mutual understanding; simplicity fosters clearer communication.
In simple terms: Too much explanation hinders understanding.
Key Takeaway
Speak clearly and listen more.
Themes
communication
understanding
simplicity
Mood
analytical
pragmatic
reflective
Type
advice
philosophical
When to use this quote
- team meetings
- teaching
- negotiations
- public speaking
Key Concepts
rhetoric
philosophy of language
interpersonal dynamics
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we balance clarity with depth?
- When is detail essential?
A Different Perspective
Complex ideas sometimes need depth; brevity can oversimplify.
