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Language Quote by Norton Juster

“...today people use as many words as they can and think themselves very wise for doing so. For always remember that while it is wrong to use too few, it is often far worse to use too many.” quote by Norton Juster
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““...today people use as many words as they can and think themselves very wise for doing so. For always remember that while it is wrong to use too few, it is often far worse to use too many.””

Norton Juster

About This Quote

Source Children’s book: “The Phantom Tollbooth” by Norton Juster, 1961

The quote warns against both verbosity and excessive brevity, urging balanced expression for true wisdom.

In simple terms: Too many or too few words both hinder insight.

Key Takeaway

Aim for concise, thoughtful speech.

Themes

communication wisdom balance

Mood

reflective educational

Type

advice philosophical

When to use this quote

  • teaching
  • writing
  • public speaking

Key Concepts

rhetoric cognitive load

Questions to Reflect On

  • When is silence more powerful than speech?
  • How can you practice brevity?
A Different Perspective

Over‑talking can obscure meaning.

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