Folly Quote by Michel de Montaigne
“A man must not always tell all, for that be folly; but what a man says should be what he thinks.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: Essais, Book I, 1580
One should speak only what one truly believes, avoiding unnecessary revelations that can lead to foolishness.
In simple terms: Speak only true thoughts.
Key Takeaway
Speak truthfully.
Themes
honesty
communication
wisdom
Mood
reflective
cautious
Type
ethical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- personal relationships
- public speaking
- negotiations
- leadership
Key Concepts
philosophy
integrity
self‑control
Questions to Reflect On
- Do you ever hide your true thoughts?
- When is discretion better than honesty?
A Different Perspective
May suppress useful information if over‑cautious.
