All the world knows me in my book, and my book in me.
Michel De MontaigneRead
A man must not always tell all, for that be folly; but what a man says should be what he thinks.
Interpretation
What this quote means
It's wise to choose carefully what to share, ensuring that expressed thoughts reflect true beliefs.
This quote by Michel De Montaigne highlights the importance of discretion in communication. It suggests that while one should not divulge every thought or feeling, it is essential that the words spoken are genuine and represent one's true beliefs. This reflects a balance between honesty and caution in expressing oneself, indicating that thoughtfulness in communication is a sign of wisdom.
Themes
CommunicationDiscretionWisdomHonestyThoughtfulness
In practice
Example use cases
During a team meeting to emphasize the importance of aligning words with beliefs.
More from Michel De Montaigne
All quotes βAll I say is by way of discourse, and nothing by way of advice. I should not speak so boldly if it were my due to be believed.
Michel De MontaigneRead
Pythagoras used to say that life resembles the Olympic Games: a few people strain their muscles to carry off a prize; others bring trinkets to sell to the crowd for gain; and some there are, and not the worst, who seek no other profit than to look at the show and see how and why everything is done; spectators of the life of other people in order to judge and regulate their own.
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There is not much less vexation in the government of a private family than in the managing of an entire state.
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Those who have compared our life to a dream were right... we were sleeping wake, and waking sleep.
Michel De MontaigneRead
Such as are in immediate fear of a losing their estates, of banishment, or of slavery, live in perpetual anguish, and lose all appetite and repose; whereas such as are actually poor, slaves, or exiles, ofttimes live as merrily as other folk.
Michel De MontaigneRead
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