"Mieux vaut rester silencieux et passer pour un idiot que de parler et de dissiper tout doute."
Simplified meaning
It's often wiser to keep quiet instead of talking without much thought. Sometimes, when people speak without thinking, they may reveal their lack of understanding or make mistakes that show they don't know much about the topic. However, if they choose to stay silent, others might think they are wise or at least give them the benefit of the doubt. For example, if someone is in a meeting and doesn't fully understand the issue being discussed, saying nothing can prevent them from saying something obviously wrong, which could make them look foolish. By listening and learning instead of speaking hastily, they can better prepare themselves for the right moment to contribute meaningfully. In life, taking a moment to think before speaking can help avoid embarrassing situations and can lead others to respect you more.
Related tags
Communication Discretion Foolishness Judgment Misunderstanding Perception Silence Speaking Thoughtfulness Wisdom
MORE QUOTES BY Abraham Lincoln
FEATURED QUOTES
