Clarity is of no importance because nobody listens and nobody knows what you mean no matter what you mean, nor how clearly you mean what you mean. But if you have vitality enough of knowing enough of what you mean, somebody and sometime and sometimes a great many will have to realize that you know what you mean and so they will agree that you mean what you know, what you know you mean, which is as near as anybody can come to understanding any one.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Stein argues that clear expression matters less than having genuine vitality and certainty in your meaning. People eventually understand you when they recognize you truly know what you mean.
- In plain terms
- Understanding comes from your conviction, not just how clearly you speak.
- What can you take from it?
- Prioritize genuine understanding of your message over perfect clarity.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Does conviction compensate for unclear expression?
- How do others really understand us?
Another view
Clarity often remains important for practical communication.
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