He who seldom speaks, and with one calm well-timed word can strike dumb the loquacious, is a genius or a hero.
Interpretation
Quiet individuals can wield great power with their words when they choose to speak thoughtfully.
This quote suggests that a person who is generally quiet but can communicate effectively at the right moment possesses a special kind of intelligence or heroism. The ability to silence others with a single, well-chosen word indicates profound insight and influence, highlighting the value of thoughtful communication over mere talkativeness.
In practice
This quote could be used in a speech about the importance of listening over speaking.
There are many kinds of smiles, each having a distinct character. Some announce goodness and sweetness, others betray sarcasm, bitterness and pride; some soften the countenance by their languishing tenderness, others brighten by their spiritual vivacity.
If you wish to appear agreeable in society, you must consent to be taught many things which you already know.
Where pride begins, love ceases.
Who in the same given time can produce more than others has vigor; who can produce more and better, has talents; who can produce what none else can, has genius.
When you doubt between words, use the plainest, the commonest, the most idiomatic. Eschew fine words as you would rouge; love simple ones as you would the native roses on your cheek.
Three days of uninterrupted company in a vehicle will make you better acquainted with another, than one hour's conversation with him every day for three years.
Welcome anything that comes to you, but do not long for anything else.
As my father taught me, and he drove home that point, he said, 'Just remember something. You don't need to tell anybody how good you are. You show them how good you are.' And he drove that home with me. So I learned early not to brag about how good I was or what I could do but let my game take that away and show them that I could play well enough.
Ever make mistakes in life? Let's make them birds. Yeah, they're birds now.
Follow your inclinations with due regard to the policeman round the corner.
... one reads, above all, to prevent oneself thinking.
Desires make slaves out of kings and patience makes kings out of slaves.
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