Source: Everybody’s Autobiography (1937), Ch. 2
“In composing, as a general rule, run your pen through every other word you have written; you have no idea what vigour it will give your style.”
Vol. I, ch. 11 http://books.google.com/books?id=R18JAAAAQAAJ&q=%22In+composing+as+a+general+rule+run+your+pen+through+every+other+word+you+have+written+you+have+no+idea+what+vigour+it+will+give+your+style%22&pg=PA382#v=onepage
Lady Holland's Memoir (1855)
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Sydney Smith 68
English writer and clergyman 1771–1845Related quotes
The Way of God's Will Chapter 3-3 Witnessing http://www.unification.org/ucbooks/WofGW/wogw3-03.htm Translated 1980.
“Let silence be your general rule; or say only what is necessary and in few words.”
Golden Sayings of Epictetus
Context: Let silence be your general rule; or say only what is necessary and in few words. We shall, however, when occasion demands, enter into discourse sparingly, avoiding such common topics as gladiators, horse-races, athletes; and the perpetual talk about food and drink. Above all avoid speaking of persons, either in the way of praise or blame, or comparison. If you can, win over the conversation of your company to what it should be by your own. But if you should find yourself cut off without escape among strangers and aliens, be silent. (164).
Source: Anam Cara: A Book of Celtic Wisdom