---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: A moment's thinking is an hour in words."
description: "\"A moment's thinking is an hour in words.\" — Thomas Hood"
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/3c1/thomas-hood-7160_hour_a-moment-s-thinking-is-an-hour-in-words_1233072.png"
---

#  A moment's thinking is an hour in words.

![“A moment's thinking is an hour in words.” quote by Thomas Hood](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/3c1/thomas-hood-7160_hour_a-moment-s-thinking-is-an-hour-in-words_1233072.png)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/3c1/thomas-hood-7160_hour_a-moment-s-thinking-is-an-hour-in-words_1233072.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/3c1/thomas-hood-7160_hour_a-moment-s-thinking-is-an-hour-in-words_1233072.png)

> “A moment's thinking is an hour in words.”

[Thomas Hood](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-hood/)

## About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Brief contemplation can expand into extensive expression, showing how a small thought can generate lengthy discourse.

**In simple terms:** A short thought can become a long discussion.

Key Takeaway

Pause before speaking to avoid over‑elaboration.

Themes

communication reflection expression

Mood

thoughtful analytical

Type

advice philosophical

When to use this quote

- writing essays
- public speaking
- debates
- personal journaling

Key Concepts

cognitive expansion verbosity mindfulness

Questions to Reflect On

- How often do you expand a simple idea into many words?
- When is brevity more effective?

A Different Perspective

May lead to unnecessary rambling if not checked.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★   No ratings yet

[Hour](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/hour/) [Hour Words](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/hour-words-3821439/) [Moment](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/moment/) [Moment Thinking](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/moment-thinking-793238/) [Thinking](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/thinking/) [Thinking Hour](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/thinking-hour-2142718/) [Time](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/time/)

## Related quotes

> [“Foolishness sleeps soundly, while knowledge turns with each thinking hour, longing for the dawn of answers.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anthony-liccione/foolishness-sleeps-soundly-while-knowledge-turns-with-each-thinking/)

[Anthony Liccione](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anthony-liccione/)

> [It's funny how in the moment your thinking that nothing is changing, but once you look back you realized everything has changed](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/it-s-funny-how-in-the-moment-your-thinking-that-nothing-is-changing/)

[Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/)

> [“Notice that your everyday, not-so-dire experience and behavior, what we can think of as your mental and physical worldline, unwinds smoothly from one moment…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-w-clark/notice-that-your-everyday-not-so-dire-experience-and-behavior-what-we/)

[Thomas W. Clark](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-w-clark/)

> [When we're playing, when we're really, really going... you're just in the moment. You're not thinking about yesterday, tomorrow, or anything else. The brain…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/butch-trucks/when-we-re-playing-when-we-re-really-really-going-you-re-just-in-the/)

[Butch Trucks](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/butch-trucks/)

> [Right now, I'm thinking of you and wanted to capture my feelings in words. You see, I know I'm not the best at verbally…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/kemis-khan/right-now-i-m-thinking-of-you-and-wanted-to-capture-my-feelings-in/)

[Kemis Khan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/kemis-khan/)

> [I think it's time for me to get out, because at the moment I'm only thinking about fishing 21 hours a day, and they're…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/rex-hunt/i-think-it-s-time-for-me-to-get-out-because-at-the-moment-i-m-only/)

[Rex Hunt](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/rex-hunt/)

> [The moment I keep smiling for no reason was the moment I was thinking of you](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/harshal/the-moment-i-keep-smiling-for-no-reason-was-the-moment-i-was-thinking/)

[Harshal](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/harshal/)

> [“It is difficult to live in and enjoy the moment when you are thinking about the past or worrying about the future. You cannot…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/roy-t-bennett/it-is-difficult-to-live-in-and-enjoy-the-moment-when-you-are-thinking-2/)

[Roy T. Bennett](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/roy-t-bennett/)

> [When you're in the moment and not over thinking the song is when things tend to really work. You're not so focused on the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/adam-granduciel/when-you-re-in-the-moment-and-not-over-thinking-the-song-is-when/)

[Adam Granduciel](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/adam-granduciel/)

> [“It is difficult to live in and enjoy the moment when you are thinking about the past or worrying about the future.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/roy-bennett/it-is-difficult-to-live-in-and-enjoy-the-moment-when-you-are-thinking/)

[Roy Bennett](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/roy-bennett/)

> [There's only one reason why you're not experiencing bliss at this present moment, and it's because you're thinking or focusing on what you don't…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anthony-de-mello/there-s-only-one-reason-why-you-re-not-experiencing-bliss-at-this/)

[Anthony de Mello](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anthony-de-mello/)

> [When I'm doing my best is when I'm completely focused... You completely wipe off any thoughts of the future, there's nothing going on in…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/frank-mir/when-i-m-doing-my-best-is-when-i-m-completely-focused-you-completely/)

[Frank Mir](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/frank-mir/)

> [You may go days without thinking of God, but there's never a moment when He's not thinking of you.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/max-lucado/you-may-go-days-without-thinking-of-god-but-there-s-never-a-moment/)

[Max Lucado](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/max-lucado/)

> [Living in the moment, thinking about the future, and staying connected to the past: That's what makes me feel whole.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/hugh-hefner/living-in-the-moment-thinking-about-the-future-and-staying-connected/)

[Hugh Hefner](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/hugh-hefner/)

> [Every moment I am thinking for a reason, Wish u could know that reason cause u wouldn't just stand and talk, There are a…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/maria/every-moment-i-am-thinking-for-a-reason-wish-u-could-know-that-reason/)

[Maria](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/maria/)

## More by Thomas Hood

> [Peace and rest at length have come, All the day's long toil is past; And each heart is whispering, "Home, Home at last!"](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-hood/peace-and-rest-at-length-have-come-all-the-day-s-long-toil-is-past/)

[Thomas Hood](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-hood/)

> [He lies like a hedgehog rolled up the wrong way, Tormenting himself with his prickles.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-hood/he-lies-like-a-hedgehog-rolled-up-the-wrong-way-tormenting-himself/)

[Thomas Hood](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-hood/)

> [I love thee - I love thee, 'Tis all that I can say, It is my vision in the night, My dreaming in the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-hood/i-love-thee-i-love-thee-tis-all-that-i-can-say-it-is-my-vision-in-the/)

[Thomas Hood](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-hood/)

> [There are three things which the public will always clamour for, sooner or later; namely: novelty, novelty, novelty.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-hood/there-are-three-things-which-the-public-will-always-clamour-for/)

[Thomas Hood](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-hood/)

> [Half of the failures in life come from pulling one's horse when he is leaping.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-hood/half-of-the-failures-in-life-come-from-pulling-one-s-horse-when-he-is/)

[Thomas Hood](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-hood/)

> [What is mind? No matter. What is matter? Never mind. What is the soul? It is immaterial.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-hood/what-is-mind-no-matter-what-is-matter-never-mind-what-is-the-soul-it/)

[Thomas Hood](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-hood/)

> [What joy have I in June's return? My feet are parched-my eyeballs burn, I scent no flowery gust; But faint the flagging zephyr springs,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-hood/what-joy-have-i-in-june-s-return-my-feet-are-parched-my-eyeballs-burn/)

[Thomas Hood](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-hood/)

> [It was not in the winter Our loving lot was cast! It was the time of roses, We plucked them as we passed!](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-hood/it-was-not-in-the-winter-our-loving-lot-was-cast-it-was-the-time-of/)

[Thomas Hood](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-hood/)

> [When he is forsaken, Withered and shaken, What can an old man do but die?](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-hood/when-he-is-forsaken-withered-and-shaken-what-can-an-old-man-do-but-die/)

[Thomas Hood](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-hood/)

> [Well for the drones of the social hive that there are bees of an industrious turn, willing, for an infinitesimal share of the honey,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-hood/well-for-the-drones-of-the-social-hive-that-there-are-bees-of-an/)

[Thomas Hood](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-hood/)

> [I saw old autumn in the misty morn Stand shadowless like silence, listening To silence.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-hood/i-saw-old-autumn-in-the-misty-morn-stand-shadowless-like-silence/)

[Thomas Hood](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-hood/)

> [Comfort and indolence are cronies.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-hood/comfort-and-indolence-are-cronies/)

[Thomas Hood](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-hood/)

> [Mother of light! how fairly dost thou go Over those hoary crests, divinely led! Art thou that huntress of the silver bow Fabled of…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-hood/mother-of-light-how-fairly-dost-thou-go-over-those-hoary-crests/)

[Thomas Hood](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-hood/)

> [Sweet are the little brooks that run O'er pebbles glancing in the sun, Singing in soothing tones.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-hood/sweet-are-the-little-brooks-that-run-o-er-pebbles-glancing-in-the-sun/)

[Thomas Hood](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-hood/)

> [How widely its agencies vary,- To save, to ruin, to curse, to bless,- As even its minted coins express, Now stamp'd with the image…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-hood/how-widely-its-agencies-vary-to-save-to-ruin-to-curse-to-bless-as/)

[Thomas Hood](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-hood/)

[Explore all 94 Thomas Hood quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-hood/)

## More Hour quotes

> [I was painfully shy, so my aunt suggested to my mum that me and my brother go to Stage 84, a performing arts school…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/christian-cooke/i-was-painfully-shy-so-my-aunt-suggested-to-my-mum-that-me-and-my/)

[Christian Cooke](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/christian-cooke/)

> [Some wee short hour ayont the twal.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/robert-burns/some-wee-short-hour-ayont-the-twal/)

[Robert Burns](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/robert-burns/)

> [When it comes down to music, I have no balance. I am 100 percent. It is like full throttle. Five hundred miles an hour.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/yanni/when-it-comes-down-to-music-i-have-no-balance-i-am-100-percent-it-is/)

[Yanni](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/yanni/)

> [I swam with my first shark in the 1980s. I was 20 miles off the coast of Rhode Island, working with a group of…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/brian-skerry/i-swam-with-my-first-shark-in-the-1980s-i-was-20-miles-off-the-coast/)

[Brian Skerry](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/brian-skerry/)

> [Truth is, I miss you. all the time, every second, every minute, every hour, every day.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/patience/truth-is-i-miss-you-all-the-time-every-second-every-minute-every-hour/)

[Patience](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/patience/)

> [I wish there were more minutes in an hour, more hours in a day, more days in a week, more weeks in a month,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/i-wish-there-were-more-minutes-in-an-hour-more-hours-in-a-day-more/)

[Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/)

> [I'm always exhausted after a show, even if it's just half an hour.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/tove-lo/i-m-always-exhausted-after-a-show-even-if-it-s-just-half-an-hour/)

[Tove Lo](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/tove-lo/)

> [We're half an hour from Toronto, which offers everything you could want from a city, and a couple of hours from beautiful vacation country.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/linwood-barclay/we-re-half-an-hour-from-toronto-which-offers-everything-you-could/)

[Linwood Barclay](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/linwood-barclay/)

> [“My favorite unit of time is the hour, because I collect them and store as many as 10 new and unused ones each night…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jarod-kintz/my-favorite-unit-of-time-is-the-hour-because-i-collect-them-and-store/)

[Jarod Kintz](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jarod-kintz/)

> [I like Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream, as it's great for soothing dry skin and adding shine. I use it instead of balm, too.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ashley-madekwe/i-like-elizabeth-arden-eight-hour-cream-as-it-s-great-for-soothing/)

[Ashley Madekwe](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ashley-madekwe/)

> [Give me but one hour of Scotland, Let me see it ere I die.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/william-edmondstoune-aytoun/give-me-but-one-hour-of-scotland-let-me-see-it-ere-i-die/)

[William Edmondstoune Aytoun](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/william-edmondstoune-aytoun/)

> [If Nature put not forth her power About the opening of the flower, Who is it that could live an hour?](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/alfred-lord-tennyson/if-nature-put-not-forth-her-power-about-the-opening-of-the-flower-who/)

[Alfred Lord Tennyson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/alfred-lord-tennyson/)

> [There is no place on earth, no day or night, no hour or minute, when one is not a Jew or a woman.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/andrea-dworkin/there-is-no-place-on-earth-no-day-or-night-no-hour-or-minute-when-one/)

[Andrea Dworkin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/andrea-dworkin/)

> [These Americans are among the working poor with full-time jobs earning $5.15 an hour. Millions fall into this boat, even more when you consider…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/marcy-kaptur/these-americans-are-among-the-working-poor-with-full-time-jobs/)

[Marcy Kaptur](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/marcy-kaptur/)

> [Brandon McCaw can run 687,852 miles an hour.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/brandon-mccaw/brandon-mccaw-can-run-687-852-miles-an-hour/)

[Brandon Mccaw](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/brandon-mccaw/)

[Browse all 779 Hour quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/hour/)

```json
{
    "@context": "https://schema.org",
    "@graph": [
        {
            "@type": "Quotation",
            "text": "A moment's thinking is an hour in words.",
            "creator": {
                "@type": "Person",
                "name": "Thomas Hood"
            },
            "isPartOf": {
                "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website"
            },
            "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-hood/a-moment-s-thinking-is-an-hour-in-words/",
            "about": {
                "@type": "Thing",
                "name": "Hour"
            },
            "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-hood/a-moment-s-thinking-is-an-hour-in-words/#quotation",
            "image": {
                "@type": "ImageObject",
                "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/3c1/thomas-hood-7160_hour_a-moment-s-thinking-is-an-hour-in-words_1233072.png",
                "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/3c1/thomas-hood-7160_hour_a-moment-s-thinking-is-an-hour-in-words_1233072.png",
                "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/3c1/thomas-hood-7160_hour_a-moment-s-thinking-is-an-hour-in-words_1233072.png",
                "width": 1080,
                "height": 1080,
                "caption": "“A moment's thinking is an hour in words.” — Thomas Hood",
                "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": "Thomas Hood",
                    "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-hood/"
                },
                {
                    "@type": "ListItem",
                    "position": 4,
                    "name": "A moment's thinking is an hour...",
                    "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-hood/a-moment-s-thinking-is-an-hour-in-words/"
                }
            ],
            "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-hood/a-moment-s-thinking-is-an-hour-in-words/#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
            }
        }
    ]
}
```
