Difficult task Quote by William Hazlitt
““Any one may mouth out a passage with theatrical cadence or get upon stilts to tell his thoughts. But to write or speak with propriety and simplicity is a more difficult task.””
About This Quote
Source Essay: On the Sublime and Beautiful, 1820
Expressing ideas clearly and simply is harder than using ornate language or dramatic delivery.
In simple terms: Simplicity in communication is challenging.
Prioritize clarity over flourish.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- teaching
- public speaking
- writing essays
- media commentary
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you convey depth without embellishment?
- When does simplicity hinder meaning?
Complex ideas may resist reduction without loss of nuance.