--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: We have more and more ways to…" description: "\"We have more and more ways to communicate, as Thoreau noted, but less and less to say.\" — Pico Iyer" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/145/pico-iyer-1252_communicate_we-have-more-and-more-ways-to-communicat_1372377.png" --- # We have more and more ways to communicate, as Thoreau… ![“We have more and more ways to communicate, as Thoreau noted, but less and less to say.” quote by Pico Iyer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/145/pico-iyer-1252_communicate_we-have-more-and-more-ways-to-communicat_1372377.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/145/pico-iyer-1252_communicate_we-have-more-and-more-ways-to-communicat_1372377.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/145/pico-iyer-1252_communicate_we-have-more-and-more-ways-to-communicat_1372377.png) > “We have more and more ways to communicate, as Thoreau noted, but less and less to say.” [Pico Iyer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/pico-iyer/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. More communication tools exist, yet meaningful expression declines, echoing Thoreau’s warning. **In simple terms:** More tools, fewer meaningful words. Key Takeaway Seek depth over volume. Themes communication technology meaning Mood thoughtful concerned Type analytical inspirational When to use this quote - social media - work meetings - personal conversations Key Concepts media saturation digital overload Questions to Reflect On - How can you improve depth in conversations? - What tools help you express truly? A Different Perspective Technology can also enhance meaning. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Communication](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/communication/) ## Related quotes > [One of the ways we communicate that we can be trusted is in the way we care for other people.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/zig-ziglar/one-of-the-ways-we-communicate-that-we-can-be-trusted-is-in-the-way/) [Zig Ziglar](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/zig-ziglar/) > [“– THE 6 WAYS TO COMMUNICATE YOUR FEELINGS –   Relationship-Attractors:   Men want to be understood, just as you do. If you can…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/alex-altman/the-6-ways-to-communicate-your-feelings-relationship-attractors-men/) [Alex Altman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/alex-altman/) > [“As I wandered around the room, with Sachiko by my side, I began to think how much we need space in those we love,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/pico-iyer/as-i-wandered-around-the-room-with-sachiko-by-my-side-i-began-to/) [Pico Iyer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/pico-iyer/) > [As Thoreau famously sead, it doesn't matter where or how far you go - the farther commonly the worse - the important thing is…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/pico-iyer/as-thoreau-famously-sead-it-doesn-t-matter-where-or-how-far-you-go/) [Pico Iyer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/pico-iyer/) > [We have so many different options now and ways to communicate digitally. But I don't think anything is more meaningful or powerful than a…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/debra-messing/we-have-so-many-different-options-now-and-ways-to-communicate/) [Debra Messing](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/debra-messing/) > [We need to find ways to communicate with each other.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/andrew-breitbart/we-need-to-find-ways-to-communicate-with-each-other/) [Andrew Breitbart](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/andrew-breitbart/) > [You can shut down a service, and yet people will find ways to communicate.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/biz-stone/you-can-shut-down-a-service-and-yet-people-will-find-ways-to/) [Biz Stone](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/biz-stone/) > [Sometimes, it's hard for parents to talk to their children. It's all about learning that there are other ways to communicate, like through crafts,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/tabitha-brown/sometimes-it-s-hard-for-parents-to-talk-to-their-children-it-s-all/) [Tabitha Brown](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/tabitha-brown/) > [There are lots of ways to communicate what we know, but few ways to communicate what we feel. Music is one way to communicate…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/carl-sagan/there-are-lots-of-ways-to-communicate-what-we-know-but-few-ways-to/) [Carl Sagan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/carl-sagan/) > [When we began, we used chatrooms on AOL and Yahoo! and nowadays, we have dozens and dozens of ways to communicate. Technology has improved…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/chris-hansen/when-we-began-we-used-chatrooms-on-aol-and-yahoo-and-nowadays-we-have/) [Chris Hansen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/chris-hansen/) > [I think we need to think of lots of ways to communicate. And we tried some at 350. We organised what they called the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/bill-mckibben/i-think-we-need-to-think-of-lots-of-ways-to-communicate-and-we-tried/) [Bill McKibben](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/bill-mckibben/) > [If you look at our world, we're becoming so much more diverse in every sense of the word. It's not just about culture or…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gene-luen-yang/if-you-look-at-our-world-we-re-becoming-so-much-more-diverse-in-every/) [Gene Luen Yang](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gene-luen-yang/) > [There's many ways you communicate. With colour, texture, sound... Even words can communicate.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/david-carson/there-s-many-ways-you-communicate-with-colour-texture-sound-even/) [David Carson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/david-carson/) > [In barely one generation, we've moved from exulting in the time-saving devices that have so expanded our lives to trying to get away from…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/pico-iyer/in-barely-one-generation-we-ve-moved-from-exulting-in-the-time-saving/) [Pico Iyer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/pico-iyer/) > [Usually the characters I play are men of few words, who communicate in non-verbal ways.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/viggo-mortensen/usually-the-characters-i-play-are-men-of-few-words-who-communicate-in/) [Viggo Mortensen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/viggo-mortensen/) ## More by Pico Iyer > [ \[The Dalai Lama\] told me some years ago, "I've made every concession to China, and I've been as open and tolerant as I could,… ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/pico-iyer/the-dalai-lama-told-me-some-years-ago-i-ve-made-every-concession-to/) [Pico Iyer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/pico-iyer/) > [For citizens who think themselves puppets in the hands of their rulers, nothing is more satisfying than having rulers as puppets in their hands.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/pico-iyer/for-citizens-who-think-themselves-puppets-in-the-hands-of-their/) [Pico Iyer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/pico-iyer/) > [The Dalai Lama would say that meditation is something that can help everyone. But he's aware that it can be misused or things can…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/pico-iyer/the-dalai-lama-would-say-that-meditation-is-something-that-can-help/) [Pico Iyer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/pico-iyer/) > [Like any traveler, I'm always looking for those experiences that are almost unique to any place, and watching films around Alaska of the skies…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/pico-iyer/like-any-traveler-i-m-always-looking-for-those-experiences-that-are/) [Pico Iyer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/pico-iyer/) > [“When you're hurrying around too quickly," he had said, "there's a part of the world you can't see. If, for example, you're taking a…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/pico-iyer/when-you-re-hurrying-around-too-quickly-he-had-said-there-s-a-part-of/) [Pico Iyer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/pico-iyer/) > [We travel to open our hearts and eyes and learn more about the world than our newspapers will accommodate.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/pico-iyer/we-travel-to-open-our-hearts-and-eyes-and-learn-more-about-the-world/) [Pico Iyer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/pico-iyer/) > [The Dalai Lama, these days, encourages Westerners not to take up Buddhism, partly because he feels that our roots are deep in other traditions,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/pico-iyer/the-dalai-lama-these-days-encourages-westerners-not-to-take-up/) [Pico Iyer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/pico-iyer/) > [And if travel is like love, it is, in the end, mostly because it's a heightened state of awareness, in which we are mindful,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/pico-iyer/and-if-travel-is-like-love-it-is-in-the-end-mostly-because-it-s-a/) [Pico Iyer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/pico-iyer/) > [As soon as I began to talk to Dalai Lama, I realized that Chinese and Tibetans from his point of view are mostly the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/pico-iyer/as-soon-as-i-began-to-talk-to-dalai-lama-i-realized-that-chinese-and/) [Pico Iyer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/pico-iyer/) > [When we are kids, we imagine that to define ourselves or to find ourselves means charting your own individuality, making your own destiny, and…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/pico-iyer/when-we-are-kids-we-imagine-that-to-define-ourselves-or-to-find/) [Pico Iyer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/pico-iyer/) > [A writer is a palmist, reading the lines of the planet.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/pico-iyer/a-writer-is-a-palmist-reading-the-lines-of-the-planet/) [Pico Iyer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/pico-iyer/) > [In barely one generation, we've moved from exulting in the time-saving devices that have so expanded our lives to trying to get away from…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/pico-iyer/in-barely-one-generation-we-ve-moved-from-exulting-in-the-time-saving/) [Pico Iyer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/pico-iyer/) > [For centuries, Cubas greatest resource has been its people.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/pico-iyer/for-centuries-cubas-greatest-resource-has-been-its-people/) [Pico Iyer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/pico-iyer/) > [Writing is, in the end, that oddest of anomalies: an intimate letter to a stranger.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/pico-iyer/writing-is-in-the-end-that-oddest-of-anomalies-an-intimate-letter-to/) [Pico Iyer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/pico-iyer/) > [“Was it only through another that I could begin to get at myself?”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/pico-iyer/was-it-only-through-another-that-i-could-begin-to-get-at-myself/) [Pico Iyer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/pico-iyer/) [Explore all 266 Pico Iyer quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/pico-iyer/) ## More Communicate quotes > [Verbs allow you to communicate a story in a much more converged or involuntary way for a reader. The verbs allow you to come…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/chuck-palahniuk/verbs-allow-you-to-communicate-a-story-in-a-much-more-converged-or/) [Chuck Palahniuk](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/chuck-palahniuk/) > [I have learned so much from my dad. Perhaps the biggest thing I've learned from my dad is how to be prepared at all…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jay-sekulow/i-have-learned-so-much-from-my-dad-perhaps-the-biggest-thing-i-ve/) [Jay Sekulow](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jay-sekulow/) > [Even people who can't communicate can fall in love.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jaejoong/even-people-who-can-t-communicate-can-fall-in-love/) [Jaejoong](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jaejoong/) > [Our communications reflect in our countenance. Therefore, we must be careful not only what we communicate, but also how we do so. Souls can…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/l-lionel-kendrick/our-communications-reflect-in-our-countenance-therefore-we-must-be/) [L. Lionel Kendrick](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/l-lionel-kendrick/) > [Always being on the move has strange consequences. I meet so many amazing people, for a night, or sometimes just a few days. And…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gaspar-claus/always-being-on-the-move-has-strange-consequences-i-meet-so-many/) [Gaspar Claus](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gaspar-claus/) > [“Even without words, you communicate through touch, body language, and facial expression.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/carmel-sheridan/even-without-words-you-communicate-through-touch-body-language-and/) [Carmel Sheridan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/carmel-sheridan/) > [I could say that making clothes is my way of communicating, because I was always so shy.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jean-paul-gaultier/i-could-say-that-making-clothes-is-my-way-of-communicating-because-i/) [Jean Paul Gaultier](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jean-paul-gaultier/) > [I think there's confusion around what the point of social networks is. A lot of different companies characterized as social networks have different goals…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mark-zuckerberg/i-think-there-s-confusion-around-what-the-point-of-social-networks-is/) [Mark Zuckerberg](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mark-zuckerberg/) > [Language just gradually came in, one or two stressed words a time. Before then, I would just scream. I couldn't talk. I couldn't get…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/temple-grandin/language-just-gradually-came-in-one-or-two-stressed-words-a-time/) [Temple Grandin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/temple-grandin/) > [Had Elijah Muhammad tried to introduce an orthodox form of Arab-oriented Islam, I doubt if he would have attracted 500 people, but he introduced…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-henrik-clarke/had-elijah-muhammad-tried-to-introduce-an-orthodox-form-of-arab/) [John Henrik Clarke](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-henrik-clarke/) > [Must whales and dolphins be subjected to deafening noise that will cause more than 3.5 million instances of temporary and/or permanent hearing loss? For…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/pierce-brosnan/must-whales-and-dolphins-be-subjected-to-deafening-noise-that-will/) [Pierce Brosnan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/pierce-brosnan/) > [My wish for humanity is to invent a way to communicate between us and whatever comes next. And in the end that we the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sugata-mitra/my-wish-for-humanity-is-to-invent-a-way-to-communicate-between-us-and/) [Sugata Mitra](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sugata-mitra/) > [Having people around you that are honest with you, and having a team around you that can actually track and communicate where things are…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/muneshine/having-people-around-you-that-are-honest-with-you-and-having-a-team/) [Muneshine](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/muneshine/) > [The most important thing for a director is being able to communicate.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/kevin-hart/the-most-important-thing-for-a-director-is-being-able-to-communicate/) [Kevin Hart](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/kevin-hart/) > [Sourav's greatest asset is his ability to communicate. He is a naturally very confident person. He encourages his team, is a great motivator and…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ravi-shastri/sourav-s-greatest-asset-is-his-ability-to-communicate-he-is-a/) [Ravi Shastri](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ravi-shastri/) Browse all 2,325 Communicate quotes ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "We have more and more ways to communicate, as Thoreau noted, but less and less to say.", "creator": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Pico Iyer" }, "isPartOf": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website" }, "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/pico-iyer/we-have-more-and-more-ways-to-communicate-as-thoreau-noted-but-less/", "about": { "@type": "Thing", "name": "Communicate" }, "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/pico-iyer/we-have-more-and-more-ways-to-communicate-as-thoreau-noted-but-less/#quotation", "image": { "@type": "ImageObject", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/145/pico-iyer-1252_communicate_we-have-more-and-more-ways-to-communicat_1372377.png", "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/145/pico-iyer-1252_communicate_we-have-more-and-more-ways-to-communicat_1372377.png", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/145/pico-iyer-1252_communicate_we-have-more-and-more-ways-to-communicat_1372377.png", "width": 1080, "height": 1080, "caption": "“We have more and more ways to communicate, as Thoreau noted, but less and less to say.” — Pico Iyer", "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "creator": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } } }, { "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Quotes", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "Pico Iyer", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/pico-iyer/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 4, "name": "We have more and more ways...", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/pico-iyer/we-have-more-and-more-ways-to-communicate-as-thoreau-noted-but-less/" } ], "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/pico-iyer/we-have-more-and-more-ways-to-communicate-as-thoreau-noted-but-less/#breadcrumb" }, { "@type": "WebSite", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website", "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/", "publisher": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } }, { "@type": "Organization", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization", "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/", "logo": { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/wp-content/themes/sq/assets/icons/icon-512.png", "width": 512, "height": 512 } } ] } ```