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Qui plussait, plus se tait. French, you know. The more a man knows, the less he talks.
Madeleine L'Engle
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Knowledge often leads to humility, where the more one understands, the less one feels the need to speak.

This quote suggests that true wisdom is often reflected in silence rather than constant speech. As individuals gain knowledge and insight, they may realize the complexity of issues, leading to a more thoughtful approach that values listening and contemplation over talking extensively.

Themes

KnowledgeWisdomSilenceHumilityUnderstanding

In practice

Example use cases

In a discussion about personal growth and development, one might quote this to emphasize the value of listening over talking.

More from Madeleine L'Engle

Truth is what is true, and it's not necessarily factual. Truth and fact are not the same thing. Truth does not contradict or deny facts, but it goes through and beyond facts. This is something that it is very difficult for some people to understand. Truth can be dangerous.
Madeleine L'EngleRead
George MacDonald gives me renewed strength during times of trouble--times when I have seen people tempted to deny God--when he says, "The Son of God suffered unto death, not that men might not suffer, but that their sufferings might be like his.
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If you don't recount your family history, it will be lost. Honor your own stories and tell them too. The tales may not seem very important, but they are what binds families and makes each of us who we are.
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I never want to lose the story-loving child within me, or the adolescent, or the young woman, or the middle-aged one, because all together they help me to be fully alive on this journey, and show me that I must be willing to go where it takes me, even through the valley of the shadow.
Madeleine L'EngleRead
The minute we begin to think we have all the answers, we forget the questions.
Madeleine L'EngleRead
When we believe in the impossible, it becomes possible, and we can do all kinds of extraordinary things.
Madeleine L'EngleRead

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