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About this quote

What does it mean?
Weak thoughts that can't be expressed simply should be discarded.
In plain terms
Reject ideas that are too vague to state clearly.
What can you take from it?
Keep only clear, strong ideas.

Where it applies

  • writing
  • decision making

Putting it to work

  • edit ruthlessly
  • test ideas with others

Questions to consider

  • How do you decide if a thought is strong enough?
  • Can vague ideas become clear with work?

Another view

Complex ideas can be valuable after refinement.

More from Luc de Clapiers, marquis de Vauvenargues

  1. The things we know best are the things we haven't been taught.

    Permalink to quote #9
  2. Emotion has taught mankind to reason.

    Permalink to quote #11
  3. The art of pleasing is the art of deception.

    Permalink to quote #8

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