--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: No man ought to write at all, or even to…" description: "\"“No man ought to write at all, or even to speak at all, unless he thinks that he is in truth and the other man in error. In similar style, I hold that ..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/d8a/g-k-chesterton-224_truth_no-man-ought-to-write-at-all-or-even-to_1752912.jpg" --- # No man ought to write at all, or even to speak at all… ![“No man ought to write at all, or even to speak at all, unless he thinks that he is in truth and the other man in error. In similar style, I hold that I am dogmatic and right, while Mr. Shaw is dogmatic and wrong.” quote by G.K. Chesterton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/d8a/g-k-chesterton-224_truth_no-man-ought-to-write-at-all-or-even-to_1752912.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/d8a/g-k-chesterton-224_truth_no-man-ought-to-write-at-all-or-even-to_1752912.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/d8a/g-k-chesterton-224_truth_no-man-ought-to-write-at-all-or-even-to_1752912.jpg) > ““No man ought to write at all, or even to speak at all, unless he thinks that he is in truth and the other man in error. In similar style, I hold that I am dogmatic and right, while Mr. Shaw is dogmatic and wrong.”” [G.K. Chesterton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/g-k-chesterton/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. The quote warns against speaking or writing unless one is confident of truth and aware of others’ errors, emphasizing dogmatism and confidence in one’s own correctness. **In simple terms:** Speak only when sure of truth and others’ mistakes. Key Takeaway Be certain before expressing opinions. Themes confidence dogmatism communication Mood assertive critical Type philosophical controversial When to use this quote - debates - public speaking - writing - teaching Key Concepts Epistemic certainty rhetorical arrogance Questions to Reflect On - Do you verify your certainty before speaking? - How does dogmatism affect dialogue? A Different Perspective Confidence can blind one to alternative views. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Dogmatic Right](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/dogmatic-right-1621350/) [Dogmatic Wrong](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/dogmatic-wrong-1621349/) [Mr Shaw](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/mr-shaw-1054381/) [Ought Write](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/ought-write-1148825/) [Shaw Dogmatic](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/shaw-dogmatic-1621348/) [Truth](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/truth/) [Writing](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/writing/) ## Related quotes > [One cannot be dogmatic about the right solution.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sal-khan/one-cannot-be-dogmatic-about-the-right-solution/) [Sal Khan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sal-khan/) > [“You know why God’s so hard to find, Trevor? No, Mr. Shaw, I say, why is God so hard to find? 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