Of Discretion.
Proverbial Philosophy (1838-1849)
“Discretion in speech is more than eloquence. ”
“Silence is more eloquent than words.”
pp 79 - 80.
Letter to his daughter (1978)
Context: Life is a love affair. There is a romance with every beauty of nature. I have no hesitation in saving that my most passionate love affair, my most thrilling romance has been with the people. There is an indissoluble marriage between politics and the people. That is why "Man is a political animal" and the state a political theatre. I have been on this stage of the masters for over twenty tumultuous years. I believe I still have a role to play. I believe the people still want me on this stage, but if I have to bow out, I give you the gift of my feelings. You will fight the fight better than me. Your speeches will be more eloquent than my speeches. Your commitment equally total. There will be more youth and vitality in your struggle. Your deeds ill be more daring. I transmit to you the blessing to the most blessed mission. This is the only present I can give you on your birthdays.
“I have never heard a more eloquent silence.”
Variant: He says a million things without saying a word. I have never heard a more eloquent
silence.
Source: Speak
As the Swiss inscription says: Sprechen ist silbern, Schweigen ist golden
Bk. III, ch. 3.
1830s, Sartor Resartus (1833–1834)
1830s, Sir Walter Scott (1838)
“Silence is most powerful. Speech is always less powerful than silence.”
Abide as the Self
“Silence is deep as Eternity, speech is shallow as Time.”
“Silence is deep as Eternity, Speech is shallow as Time.”
