Communication Quote by Miguel de Cervantes
“I do not say a proverb is amiss when aptly and reasonably applied, but to be forever discharging them, right or wrong, hit or miss, renders conversation insipid and vulgar.”
About This Quote
Source Literature: Don Quixote, 1605
He warns that overusing proverbs, even when apt, can make dialogue dull and coarse, urging restraint and originality in speech.
In simple terms: Overusing sayings makes talk boring.
Key Takeaway
Use proverbs sparingly for vivid conversation.
Themes
language
communication
wisdom
literature
style
Mood
thoughtful
critical
Type
literary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- public speaking
- writing workshops
- teaching language
- media commentary
Key Concepts
Rhetoric
cultural idioms
dialogue dynamics
Questions to Reflect On
- When is a proverb essential?
- How can we balance tradition and novelty?
A Different Perspective
Some proverbs carry timeless truth that may be overlooked if dismissed.
![“Don’t you love quotations? I am immensely fond of them; a certain proof of erudition… [I]f you should happen to write an insipid poem... send it to me, and my fiat shall crown you with immortality.” quote by Frances Brooke](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/c73/frances-brooke-84995_certain_don-t-you-love-quotations-i-am-immensely_478060.jpg)
