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About this quote

What does it mean?
We should have deep motives and judge accordingly, yet speak plainly.
In plain terms
Hold deep motives but talk like anyone.
What can you take from it?
Maintain integrity while staying relatable.

Where it applies

  • leadership
  • teaching

Putting it to work

  • clarify values
  • use plain language

Questions to consider

  • How to balance depth and simplicity?
  • When is plain talk insufficient?

Another view

Deep motives can be hard to conceal in simple speech.

More from Blaise Pascal

  1. Nothing is surer than that the people will be weak. (330)

    Permalink to quote #40
  2. One must know oneself. If this does not serve to discover truth, it at least serves as a rule of life, and there is nothing better. (66)

    Permalink to quote #42
  3. Nothing is so conformable to reason as to disavow reason. (272)

    Permalink to quote #39

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