Dangerous Quote by Woodrow Wilson
“The literary gift is a very dangerous gift to possess if you are not telling the truth, and I would a great deal rather, for my part, have a man stumble in his speech than to feel he was so exceedingly smooth that he had better be watched both day and night.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Address to the American Bar Association, 1915
A literary talent can be dangerous if it hides truth; better to hear a stumbling speaker than a smooth deceiver.
In simple terms: Truth matters more than polished speech.
Key Takeaway
Value honesty over eloquence.
Themes
literature
truth
communication
Mood
thoughtful
critical
Type
ethical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- public speaking
- writing
- media criticism
Key Concepts
authenticity
integrity
Questions to Reflect On
- When have you trusted a smooth speaker?
- How can we encourage honest expression?
A Different Perspective
Polished speech can still be truthful; not all smoothness is deceit.
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