The old notion that brevity is the essence of wit has succumbed to the modern idea that tedium is the essence of quality.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- The quote notes a cultural shift where being brief is no longer seen as witty but instead long-windedness is equated with quality. Modern values have inverted traditional standards of cleverness.
- In plain terms
- We used to value short wit but now think long and boring is better quality.
- What can you take from it?
- Modern quality standards often favor length over brevity.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Does length equal quality?
- How do we reclaim brevity?
Another view
It generalizes all quality metrics to value tedium.
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