Personal relations are the important thing for ever and ever, and not this outer life of telegrams and anger.
E. M. ForsterRead
Don't be mysterious; there isn't the time.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Embrace transparency and honesty, as time is limited for misunderstandings.
E. M. Forster's quote encourages people to avoid being elusive or secretive in their interactions, suggesting that life is too short to engage in mystery. Instead, it advocates for clear communication and authenticity, emphasizing that misunderstandings can be detrimental and that we should make the most of our time with each other by being open and honest.
Themes
MysteryHonestyCommunicationTimeTransparencyAuthenticity
In practice
Example use cases
In a team meeting, to encourage open dialogue, one might say, 'As Forster said, donβt be mysterious; there isnβt the time.'
More from E. M. Forster
All quotes βA poem is true if it hangs together. Information points to something else. A poem points to nothing but itself.
E. M. ForsterRead
One must be fond of people and trust them if one is not to make a mess of life.
E. M. ForsterRead
Oxford is Oxford: not a mere receptacle for youth, like Cambridge. Perhaps it wants its inmates to love it rather than to love one another.
E. M. ForsterRead
The fact is we can only love what we know personally. And we cannot know much. In public affairs, in the rebuilding of civilization, something less dramatic and emotional is needed, namely tolerance.
E. M. ForsterRead
One person with passion is better than forty people merely interested.
E. M. ForsterRead
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