John Gay Quotes

I suppose that people, using themselves and each other so much by words, are at least consistent in attributing wisdom to a still tongue.

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

It illustrates vividly my incapacity of knowing when to be silent and when to speak.

Sometimes you usually know the point where to keep your mouth shut.

If I could go back in time and give Rookie C.J one piece of wisdom, it would be that sometimes less is more. Off the court, sometimes it's just better to shut up and be quiet.

I am not overconfident.

It's not so much knowing when to speak, when to pause.

Blessed is the man, who having nothing to say, abstains from giving wordy evidence of the fact.

Be wiser than other people if you can, but do not tell them so.

An Englishman's never so natural as when he's holding his tongue.

Be sure your wisest words are those you do not say.

It is all right to hold a conversation but you should let go of it now and then.

Talk low, talk slow and don't say too much.

I know things but I shut my mouth.

Forbear to mention what thou canst not praise.

To know how to hide one's ability is great skill.

Never seem wiser, nor more learned, than the people you are with. Wear your learning, like your watch, in a private pocket: and do not merely pull it out and strike it; merely to show that you have one.

Sometimes, I get so annoyed when other people brag. And sometimes, I know that I'm better than that or I've got something better in the works; I don't say anything. I just say, 'Really? That's great.'

I never like to get ahead of myself. I'm not one of those people that do that.

It's easy to be loud, outspoken, and play to the gallery. It's difficult to underplay one's self.

Even the wordiest of men know there's a time to button it.

So many things--nay every real thing--is good if only it will be humble and ordinate.

Speake fitly, or be silent wisely.

Everyone breathes in air, but it's a wise person who knows when to use that air to speak and when to exhale in silence.

While thou livest keep a good tongue in thy head.