"The most valuable of all talents is..." - Quote by Thomas Jefferson
The most valuable of all talents is that of never using two words when one will do.
More by Thomas Jefferson
“It is proof of sincerity, which I value above all things; as, between those who practice it, falsehood and malice work their efforts in vain.”
“While the principles of our Constitution give just latitude to inquiry, every citizen faithful to it will deem embodied expressions of discontent and open outrages of law and patriotism as dishonorable as they are injurious”
“An association of men who will not quarrel with one another is a thing which has never yet existed, from the greatest confederacy of nations down to a town meeting or a vestry.”
More on Communication
“Rhetoric is the counterpart of logic; since both are conversant with subjects of such a nature as it is the business of all to have a certain knowledge of, and which belong to no distinct science. Wherefore all men in some way participate of both; since all, to a certain extent, attempt, as well to sift, as to maintain an argument; as well to defend themselves, as to impeach.”
“I wanted to say things that were natural coming from me.”
“Listening is an important key to HEARING.”
More on Conciseness
“As great minds have the faculty of saying a great deal in a few words, so lesser minds have a talent of talking much, and saying nothing.”
“I am trying to make, before I get through, a picture of the whole world--or as much of it as I have seen. Boiling it down always, rather than spreading it out too thin. (On Writing.)”
“Let the reader find that he cannot afford to omit any line of your writing because you you have omitted every word that he can spare.”