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About this quote

What does it mean?
I aim to be brief, and become obscure.
In plain terms
Trying to be concise can lead to confusion.
What can you take from it?
Clarity matters more than brevity.

Where it applies

  • writing emails
  • giving presentations
  • tweeting

Putting it to work

  • prioritize clear language
  • avoid over‑editing

Questions to consider

  • When is brevity more important than detail?
  • How do you balance conciseness and clarity?

Another view

Sometimes brevity is essential despite risk of ambiguity.

More from Horace

  1. Inceptis gravibus plerumque et magna professis purpureus, late qui splendeat, unus et alter adsuitur pannus.

    Permalink to quote #35
  2. Si vis me flere, dolendum est primum ipsi tibi.

    Permalink to quote #37
  3. Natales grate numeras?

    Permalink to quote #34

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