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About this quote

What does it mean?
Style transforms and elevates what someone wants to express when they are spiritually excited, adding dignity and distinction to their message.
In plain terms
Style makes your message more dignified and distinct by reshaping it with excitement.
What can you take from it?
Use spiritual excitement to elevate your expression.

Where it applies

  • writing
  • public speaking
  • creative work

Putting it to work

  • refine speech
  • enhance writing
  • cultivate presence

Questions to consider

  • How does your excitement shape your words?
  • Does your style match your message?

Another view

Style without substance can feel empty or pretentious.

More from Matthew Arnold

  1. Cruel, but composed and bland, Dumb, inscrutable and grand, So Tiberius might have sat, Had Tiberius been a cat.

    Permalink to quote #34
  2. The Celts certainly have it [style] in a wonderful measure.

    Permalink to quote #36
  3. It is - last stage of all - When we are frozen up within, and quite The phantom of ourselves, To hear the world applaud the hollow ghost Which blamed the livin…

    Permalink to quote #33

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