Done Quote by Joseph Story
“Be brief, be pointed, let your matter standLucid in order, solid and at hand;Spend not your words on trifles but condense;Strike with the mass of thought, not drops of sense;Press to close with vigor, once begun,And leave, (how hard the task!) leave off, when done.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: Elements of the Law, Joseph Story, 1843
Advocates concise, powerful writing that delivers ideas directly without unnecessary detail.
In simple terms: Write clearly and forcefully.
Key Takeaway
Prioritize clarity and impact.
Themes
clarity
conciseness
persuasion
Mood
focused
determined
Type
instructional
philosophical
When to use this quote
- academic writing
- legal briefs
- public speaking
- marketing copy
Key Concepts
rhetoric
style
efficiency
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you balance brevity with depth?
- When is detail essential?
A Different Perspective
May sacrifice nuance for brevity.
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