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About this quote

What does it mean?
Words hide what they fail to clarify, acting like glasses that obscure the view.
In plain terms
Unclear words blur meaning.
What can you take from it?
Choose precise language to avoid obscurity.

Where it applies

  • technical writing
  • teaching

Putting it to work

  • define terms
  • use simple sentences

Questions to consider

  • How can you test if your words are clear?
  • When is complexity necessary?

Another view

Over‑simplifying can strip nuance.

More from Joseph Joubert

  1. Words become luminous when the poet's finger has passed over them its phosphorescence.

    Permalink to quote #100
  2. You arrive at truth through poetry; I arrive at poetry through truth.

    Permalink to quote #102
  3. Without the spiritual world the material world is a disheartening enigma.

    Permalink to quote #99

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