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Thus it has come about that our theoretical and critical literature, instead of giving plain, straightforward arguments in which the author at least always knows what he is saying and the reader what he is reading, is crammed with jargon, ending at obscure crossroads where the author loses its readers. Sometimes these books are even worse: they are just hollow shells. The author himself no longer knows just what he is thinking and soothes himself with obscure ideas which would not satisfy him if expressed in plain speech.

Karl von Clausewitz#34

Attribution disputed; shown as originally published.

ClarityCommunicationCritical thinkingWriting

About this quote

What does it mean?
Critics and theorists often use too much jargon, confusing readers and losing clarity. Sometimes they write hollow books without clear ideas, using obscurity to hide their lack of thought.
In plain terms
Writers use confusing jargon and vague ideas instead of clear arguments, making books hard to follow or empty.
What can you take from it?
Write plainly to avoid confusing readers or hiding empty ideas.

Where it applies

  • academic writing
  • publishing
  • critical analysis

Putting it to work

  • simplify complex ideas
  • avoid unnecessary jargon
  • revise for clarity

Questions to consider

  • Why do you use complex words when simple ones work?
  • What ideas do you hide behind vague language?

Another view

Some fields require technical terms that cannot be simplified without losing meaning.

More from Karl von Clausewitz

  1. There are times when the utmost daring is the height of wisdom.

    Permalink to quote #33
  2. Anyone who feels the urge to undertake such a task must dedicate himself for his labors as he would prepare for a pilgrimage to distant lands. He must spare no…

    Permalink to quote #35
  3. ...it is better to go on striking in the same direction than to move one's forces this way and that.

    Permalink to quote #32

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