Communication Quote by Ivan Goncharov
““He had never clearly fathomed the true weight of a word of good, truth, and purity cast in the stream of human speech and the deep bend it cut in it. Nor had he thought that a word spoken boldly and loudly, with no hint of false shame, but rather with courage, that this word would not drown in the ugly cries of fashionable satyrs but would plunge like a pearl into the abyss of public life and always find itself a shell. Many stumble over a good word, blushing in embarrassment, and utter a careless word boldly and loudly, never suspecting that it, too, unfortunately, will not go for naught but will leave a long trail of often times ineradicable evil. p. 296””
About This Quote
Source Novel: Oblomov, 1859
Powerful words can shape public life, yet bold speech risks being ignored or causing unintended harm despite its courage.
In simple terms: Bold words can change society but may also cause harm.
Key Takeaway
Speak truthfully but consider potential impact.
Themes
speech
truth
courage
consequence
public discourse
Mood
cautious
introspective
Type
literary
ethical
When to use this quote
- political speeches
- media commentary
- personal conversations
Key Concepts
literature
ethics
communication
Questions to Reflect On
- When have your words been misunderstood?
- How can you balance honesty with responsibility?
A Different Perspective
Boldness can be misinterpreted or drowned out.
