All things Quote by James Thurber
“When all things are equal, translucence in writing is more effective than transparency, just as glow is more revealing than glare.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: Writing Style, 1945
Argues that translucence (clarity) in writing is more effective than mere transparency.
In simple terms: Clear writing beats simple transparency.
Key Takeaway
Aim for lucid, revealing prose.
Themes
writing
clarity
style
communication
literature
Mood
analytical
thoughtful
Type
literary
essay
When to use this quote
- editing
- teaching
- publishing
- public speaking
Key Concepts
rhetoric
philosophy
aesthetics
Questions to Reflect On
- How to balance clarity with subtlety?
- What makes writing truly revealing?
A Different Perspective
Too much opacity can confuse readers.
![“Salvador [Dali] was brought up in Spain, a country colored by the legends of Hannibal, El Greco, and Cervantes. I was brought up in Ohio, a region steeped in the tradition of Coxey's Army, the Anti-Saloon League, and William Howard Taft.” quote by James Thurber](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/f6b/james-thurber-1534_army_salvador-dali-was-brought-up-in-spain-a_39625.jpg)
