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About this quote

What does it mean?
The speaker admits they have knowledge beyond words and that expressing even a little reveals more than if they had known less.
In plain terms
Knowing more than you can say means even a small expression says a lot.
What can you take from it?
Expressing a little can reveal deeper insight.

Where it applies

  • writing
  • teaching
  • personal reflection

Putting it to work

  • share concise insights
  • journal thoughts

Questions to consider

  • What do you keep unspoken?
  • How can brief words convey deep ideas?

Another view

The claim of knowing more than can be expressed is hard to verify.

More from Vladimir Nabokov

  1. I don't belong to any club or group. I don't fish, cook, dance, endorse books, sign books, co-sign declarations, eat oysters, get drunk, go to church, go to an…

    Permalink to quote #20
  2. To return to my lecturing days: I automatically gave low marks when a student used the dreadful phrase 'sincere and simple' - 'Flaubert writes with a style whi…

    Permalink to quote #22
  3. I don't think in any language. I think in images. I don't believe that people think in languages. They don't move their lips when they think. It is only a cert…

    Permalink to quote #19

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