Cleverness Quote by Virginia Woolf
“Peter would think her sentimental. So she was. For she had come to feel that it was the only thing worth saying – what one felt. Cleverness was silly. One must say simply what one felt.”
About This Quote
Source Novel: Mrs Dalloway by Virginia Woolf, 1925
The narrator argues that expressing genuine feeling is more important than cleverness, urging simplicity and honesty in communication.
In simple terms: Speak simply and honestly about what you feel.
Key Takeaway
Prioritize authenticity over wit.
Themes
authenticity
simplicity
communication
Mood
reflective
literary
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- personal letters
- public speeches
- creative writing
Key Concepts
emotional honesty
literary modernism
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you balance honesty with clarity?
- When is cleverness appropriate?
A Different Perspective
Overemphasis on simplicity may overlook nuance.
