--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Like a greater than himself, to the…" description: "\"“Like a greater than himself, to the critical question at the critical time he did not answer: and they were again silent.”\" — Thomas Hardy" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/b74/thomas-hardy-410_silent_like-a-greater-than-himself-to-the-criti_381553.jpg" --- # Like a greater than himself, to the critical question at… ![“Like a greater than himself, to the critical question at the critical time he did not answer: and they were again silent.” quote by Thomas Hardy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/b74/thomas-hardy-410_silent_like-a-greater-than-himself-to-the-criti_381553.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/b74/thomas-hardy-410_silent_like-a-greater-than-himself-to-the-criti_381553.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/b74/thomas-hardy-410_silent_like-a-greater-than-himself-to-the-criti_381553.jpg) > ““Like a greater than himself, to the critical question at the critical time he did not answer: and they were again silent.”” [Thomas Hardy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-hardy/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. A person avoids answering a crucial question at a pivotal moment, leading to silence and missed clarity. **In simple terms:** Avoiding tough answers creates silence. Key Takeaway Speak up when stakes are high. Themes communication courage truth Mood reflective somber Type literary philosophical When to use this quote - personal relationships - legal testimony - political debates - family discussions Key Concepts existential doubt social pressure Questions to Reflect On - Why do we sometimes stay silent under pressure? - What are the costs of not answering? 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