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Complaining Quote by Martial

“You complain, friend Swift, of the length of my epigrams, but you yourself write nothing. Yours are shorter.” quote by Martial
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“You complain, friend Swift, of the length of my epigrams, but you yourself write nothing. Yours are shorter.”

Martial

About This Quote

Source Literary quote, unknown source

The speaker criticizes a friend for complaining about brevity while being even more concise.

In simple terms: Friend complains about length but writes even shorter.

Key Takeaway

Be mindful of hypocrisy in criticism.

Themes

criticism hypocrisy communication

Mood

reflective critical

Type

literary philosophical

When to use this quote

  • editing
  • writing workshops
  • peer review

Key Concepts

literary analysis self‑reflection

Questions to Reflect On

  • Why do we judge others' work harshly?
  • How can we give constructive feedback?
A Different Perspective

May be perceived as condescending.

3.5 out of 5 (7 ratings)

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