"Les mots sont comme des feuilles et là où ils abondent le plus on trouve rarement beaucoup de fruits du sens en dessous"

When you hear that words are like leaves and where they most abound much fruit of sense beneath is rarely found, it’s about the idea that the more someone talks, the less meaningful content they often provide. Think about a tree in the fall, covered in leaves. It looks impressive, but if you search through the leaves, you might not find any fruit. Similarly, a person who talks too much might be using lots of words without actually saying anything valuable.

Historically, this idea has been echoed through the ages. Alexander Pope, who lived in the 18th century, originally penned this thought. He was a brilliant satirist and poet who observed how people used language. During his time, a lot of people were more concerned with sounding smart than actually saying something meaningful. If you think about it, this is still pretty relevant today. We’ve all met someone who loves the sound of their own voice—maybe they’re trying to impress others or perhaps they just enjoy talking. But often, the more they speak, the less they actually convey.

Let’s dive into a real-life example. Imagine a business meeting where two managers are presenting their ideas. The first manager uses a simple, clear presentation. She speaks directly to the point, using just enough words to explain her thoughts. The second manager, however, uses a lot of elaborate language and takes twice as long to make his point. By the end of the meeting, the team is more likely to remember the clear, concise ideas from the first manager. Her fewer, well-chosen words had more impact than the second manager’s long-winded speech.

So, how can you apply this wisdom? First, practice being concise. When you’re writing an email, preparing a presentation, or even just chatting with friends, aim to be clear and to the point. Ask yourself: what am I really trying to say? Cut out the fluff and focus on the core message. Remember, quality trumps quantity. It’s okay to take a moment to gather your thoughts before you speak. It’s often better to say something meaningful than to fill the silence with empty words.

Let me share a story. Picture a high school classroom. There’s this one student, Sam, who always raises his hand and has lots to say. He loves to hear himself talk and often uses big words, perhaps to impress his classmates. Then there’s Jenny, who speaks up less often. But when she does, everyone listens. Her words are thoughtful and insightful. One day, the teacher asks a complex question. Sam jumps in first, talking at length, but his answer is all over the place. Jenny waits, thinks, and then offers a short, clear response that nails the question. Her classmates nod in agreement, appreciating her clear and direct approach.

Sam might have felt that he was contributing a lot, but in reality, Jenny’s few words conveyed much more. This goes to show that sometimes, less is more. Next time you’re in a conversation or presenting an idea, remember Jenny. Think about what you want to say, and say it clearly and simply. Your audience will thank you for it.

In essence, this wisdom is about valuing substance over style. It's a reminder that meaningful communication doesn't require a lot of words—just the right ones.