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"من يتكلم كثيرا يخطئ كثيرا"

Benjamin Franklin
Benjamin Franklin Polymath
Translations
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Quote meaning
You know how some people just love to hear themselves talk? They go on and on, often without really saying much of substance. That's the core idea here: when someone talks a lot, they're more likely to make mistakes. It’s pretty straightforward, right? The more you say, the higher the chance of slipping up or contradicting yourself.

Let's dive into a bit of history. This quote hails from Benjamin Franklin, a man known for his wit and wisdom. Franklin was one of the Founding Fathers of the United States, and he had a knack for packing a lot of truth into short, memorable phrases. He lived in the 18th century, a time when public speaking and debate were crucial skills. Franklin knew from experience that those who couldn't keep their thoughts concise often ended up saying something they regretted.

Now, imagine you're in a team meeting at work. There's always that one colleague who can't resist sharing every single thought that pops into their head. They dominate the conversation, but because they're talking so much, they often contradict themselves or make errors that others catch. It’s not just annoying—it can derail the whole meeting and lead to confusion.

So, how can you apply this wisdom? Simple: think before you speak. Take a moment to organize your thoughts. If you feel the urge to keep talking to fill a silence, resist it. Sometimes, less really is more. Be concise and to the point. You’re less likely to make mistakes, and people will appreciate your clarity.

Picture this: you're at a family dinner, and your uncle starts on one of his long-winded stories about the good old days. He starts with one story about how he used to walk ten miles to school in the snow. Then he shifts to how kids today are too soft, and before you know it, he’s mixing up details—was it ten miles or five? Did he really walk, or did he sometimes get a ride? You see where I'm going with this. By the end, no one’s quite sure what the point was, and some details don’t add up.

In contrast, your aunt chimes in with a brief, funny anecdote. It’s sharp, to the point, and everyone laughs. The story sticks because it was well-told and concise. She’s less likely to have made a mistake because she kept her story simple and direct.

So next time you’re about to launch into a lengthy monologue, stop and think. What’s the key point you want to make? Can you say it more simply? Not only will you avoid making unnecessary mistakes, but you’ll also find people listen more attentively when you speak. It’s not about saying a lot—it’s about saying what matters clearly and effectively.
Related tags
Brevity Communication Humility Miscommunication Mistakes Restraint Silence Speech Wisdom
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