Nicolas Chamfort Quotes

Silence is foolish if we are wise, but wise if we are foolish.

It ain't a bad plan to keep still occasionally even when you know what you're talking about.

The people sensible enough to give good advice are usually sensible enough to give none.

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

Men are born with two eyes, but with one tongue, in order that they should see twice as much as they say.

Silence and reserve will give anyone a reputation for wisdom.

Not every truth is the better for showing its face undisguised; and often silence is the wisest thing for a man to heed.

It is better to keep your mouth closed and let people think you are a fool than to open it and remove all doubt.

He that hath knowledge spareth his words.

I think there's a lot to be said for keeping your own counsel.

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

You know, I have found out in the course of a long public life that the things I did not say never hurt me.

Let a fool hold his tongue and he will pass for a sage.

Think a lot, say little, and write nothing.

Wise men, when in doubt whether to speak or to keep quiet, give themselves the benefit of the doubt, and remain silent.

Sometimes you can tell a wise person not only by what he says but also by what he doesn't say. Remember, it is much better to say little than to say too much and regret it later.

Tis better to sit there and look the fool, than to open your mouth and prove it.

Middle age is when the best exercise is one of discretion.

Indifference is commonly the mother of discretion.

The wise hand does not all the tongue dictates.

You'll regret opening your mouth. You'll rarely regret keeping it shut.

Silence is the sanctuary of prudence.

Silence never makes any blunders.

I have often heard, that it is safer to hear and to take counsel, than to give it.