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Bitterness Quote by Margaret Chase Smith

“I speak as briefly as possible because too much harm has already been done with irresponsible words of bitterness and selfish political opportunism. I speak as simply as possible because the issue is too great to be obscured by eloquence. I speak simply and briefly in the hope that my words will…” quote by Margaret Chase Smith
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“I speak as briefly as possible because too much harm has already been done with irresponsible words of bitterness and selfish political opportunism. I speak as simply as possible because the issue is too great to be obscured by eloquence. I speak simply and briefly in the hope that my words will be taken to heart.”

Margaret Chase Smith

About This Quote

Source Speech: Congressional Address, 1950

She urges concise, honest speech to avoid harmful, manipulative rhetoric and ensure clarity.

In simple terms: Speak plainly to avoid misuse of words.

Key Takeaway

Use simple, brief language.

Themes

communication politics integrity

Mood

serious determined

Type

political ethical

When to use this quote

  • political debates
  • public statements
  • media interviews
  • policy discussions

Key Concepts

responsibility clarity ethics

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can brevity preserve truth?
  • When does simplicity become misleading?
A Different Perspective

Over-simplification may omit nuance.

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