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About this quote

What does it mean?
A proverb suggesting that empty or shallow people make the most noise.
In plain terms
Empty pots make the loudest sounds.
What can you take from it?
Value substance over loudness or boasting.

Where it applies

  • argument
  • self-reflection
  • social advice

Putting it to work

  • ignore loud critics
  • focus on substance

Questions to consider

  • Are you making noise or contributing value?
  • Who is the loudest in your life?

Another view

It generalizes all loud people as empty.

More from Alfonso X of Castile

  1. 'Rey de las tres religiones.'

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  2. 'Los que dejan al rey errar a sabiendas, merecen pena como traidores.'

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  3. 'Entre todas las tierras del mundo Espanna a una estremanca de abondamiento et de bondad mas que otra tierra ninguna. [...] ?Ay Espanna! non a lengua ni engenn…

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