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About this quote

What does it mean?
Trollope defends ordinary conversation, refusing to dismiss everyday talk as meaningless noise.
In plain terms
He does not want to silence normal talk.
What can you take from it?
Everyday chatter has value and should not be ignored.

Where it applies

  • casual meetings
  • community gatherings
  • daily life

Putting it to work

  • listen actively
  • value small talk
  • engage neighbors

Questions to consider

  • What counts as valuable talk?
  • How do you treat small talk?

Another view

Not all chatter is meaningful or productive.

More from Anthony Trollope

  1. A man's own dinner is to himself so important that he cannot bring himself to believe that it is a matter utterly indifferent to every one else.

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  2. I would recommend all men in choosing a profession to avoid any that may require an apology at every turn; either an apology or else a somewhat violent asserti…

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  3. It is a remarkable thing with reference to men who are distressed for money...they never seem at a loss for small sums, or deny themselves those luxuries which…

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