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About this quote

What does it mean?
You should not try to articulate thoughts you have not fully formed mentally.
In plain terms
Only express ideas you have thought through completely.
What can you take from it?
Clarify your thinking before you speak.

Where it applies

  • writing
  • public speaking
  • debate

Putting it to work

  • outline thoughts first
  • draft carefully
  • review arguments

Questions to consider

  • Are you ready to say this?
  • What do you really mean?

Another view

Sometimes speaking helps clarify thinking as well.

More from Niels Bohr

  1. It is not enough to be wrong, one must also be polite.

    Permalink to quote #17
  2. It is better to don't understand something true, than to understand something false.

    Permalink to quote #19
  3. Truth and clarity are complementary.

    Permalink to quote #16

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