Hope Quote by E.B. White
““Muddiness is not merely a disturber of prose, it is also a destroyer of life, of hope: death on the highway caused by a badly worded road sign, heartbreak among lovers caused by a misplaced phrase in a well-intentioned letter, anguish of a traveler expecting to be met at a railroad station and not being met because of a slipshod telegram. Think of the tragedies that are rooted in ambiguity, and be clear! When you say something, make sure you have said it. The chances of your having said it are only fair.””
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Importance of Clarity, 1948
Ambiguous language can cause serious misunderstandings, leading to tragedy; clarity prevents harm.
In simple terms: Unclear words cause real damage.
Key Takeaway
Speak precisely and verify understanding.
Themes
communication
clarity
consequences
Mood
cautionary
thoughtful
Type
literary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- writing
- legal contracts
- medical instructions
Key Concepts
linguistics
risk management
Questions to Reflect On
- When have you seen ambiguity cause trouble?
- How can you ensure your messages are clear?
A Different Perspective
The claim may exaggerate for effect.
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