Charles Caleb Colton Quotes

Have more than you show, Speak less than you know.

I'm guarded; I don't talk much.

When you have nothing important or interesting to say, don't let anyone persuade you to say it.

I don't know what to say about literary critics. I think it's probably best to say nothing.

I think you have to be guarded but not closed off.

It is not a life at all. It is a reticence, in three volumes.

There's a real wisdom to not saying a thing.

Be still when you have nothing to say; when genuine passion moves you, say what you've got to say, and say it hot.

I do not live on false promises. I cannot afford to live on bad advice.

Silence and reserve will give anyone a reputation for wisdom.

Never chase a lie. Let it alone, and it will run itself to death.

Better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak out and remove all doubt.

For some of us, the less said about the way we do things the better.

I know things but I shut my mouth.

He learned too much and too early that victory goes to the discreet, that one does not speak one's opinion, that ideally one does not even develop one's opinion.

Sometimes in L.A., we get accused of being superficial. I feel like Portland's the opposite, in that there's a greater depth of character, and sense of self.

I've learned to keep a lot of stuff to myself.

I don't want to attract attention because I open my mouth.

I pretty much keep my mouth quiet and go about my business.

Sometimes you've got to keep your mouth shut.

Never miss an opportunity to keep your damn mouth shut.

Bashfulness may sometimes exclude pleasure, but seldom opens any avenue to sorrow or remorse.

Words spoken about the Way have no taste. When looked at, there's not enough to see. When listened to, there's not enough to hear. When used, it is never exhausted.

Still anyone who trusts a serpent deserves its bite. The wise see a creature for what it is, not what it says it may be.

True singing is a different breath, about nothing.